Flats at former Topshop site get planning approval

Monday 24 April 2023

Plans to convert the former Topshop site on King Street into five two-bedroom flats have been approved.

Planning permission has been given to add an additional third floor and new apartments to 40 King Street after the previous occupant, retailer Top Shop, went into administration in 2020.

The site is to be developed by Axis Mason Ltd.

The bottom floor is to remain a retail outlet, according to the planning application, while the proposed third floor will consist entirely of a single two-bedroom apartment.

The building’s existing façade, which currently sports the Top Shop logo, is also to be replaced with a site specific architectural frieze which aims to reflect the building's history as Jersey's first telephone exchange. The frieze will be designed by Jersey based artist Claire Haithwaite.

Pictured: 40 King Street as it is now. 

Included in the planning application was a 'Supporting Loss of Retail' statement, compiled by property experts Gaudin &C o, aimed at responding to objections regarding the removal of retail space on the high street. 

The statement read: "One would mention that a thriving business like Beghin’s on King Street, which has operated since 1842, was forced to close due to lack of business, which once again shows the lack of demand for retail space. This is extremely sad but reflects modern society and shopping patterns."

It adds that it would be reasonable to restrict the retail space to one floor, citing the "lack of demand for one floor, never mind two".

Pictured top: A 3D representation of the planned development at 40 King Street.