Select a region
Plans have been submitted to convert part of the former Dorothy Perkins store to office space, and extensively refurbish it with new frontage, solar panels and a second-floor extension.
Other "environmental upgrades to the building", including insulation, new windows, low-energy lighting and heating are also planned, according to documents submitted by Elliot Design Partnership on behalf of applicant, Minihi Limited.
Minihi Limited purchased the 31 Queen Street, which makes the corner of Queen Street and Bath Street, for £862,500.
The company was also behind the development of the old JEP site in 2021, creating a new Co-op Locale, a Le Gallais self-storage building, and four light industrial units and offices in the area.
Pictured: Minihi Limited is the company behind the 2021 redevelopment of the former JEP site at Five Oaks.
A design statement accompanying the planning application explainsthat "the proposal seeks to fully refurbish, extend and enhance this retail unit which has been vacant since 2020. Thereby helping regenerating this key part of the town centre."
Minihi Limited's application for the former Dorothy Perkins building "seeks to refurbish the existing retail unit and office accommodation" and extend the building at second-floor level.
The application includes plans for a new shopfront, the removal of the existing pitched roof to allow the installation of solar panels, and the creation of a new entrance from Queen Street and the reinstatement of the Bath Street side entrance.
The design statement explains that the refurbished building "will form an expansion of [the client's] long standing, 200-year-old business currently located in Bath Street.
"The scheme represents a significant investment for a local business and as such the proposed work to the building far exceeds what would be generally
undertaken by an off-island retail chain or typical investor," the statement adds.
"The purchase and redevelopment of the building by a long-established local business will create additional employment opportunities and thereby contributing to the local economy and identity."
The full plans can be viewed online. A decision is expected next month.
Dorothy Perkins and Burtons stores closing for good
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.