USC to move into vacant Next store

Saturday 07 November 2020

A store that has been left empty for nearly three years is due to be filled by USC, as it relocates from the former BHS premises.

Signs went up this week announcing that the sports and leisurewear store will soon be entering half of Next's former spot on Jersey's high street, which was vacated in 2017.

Islanders have long bemoaned the emptiness of Queensway House, suggesting that pop-ups could be held there. But the leaseholder decided to leave it as it is.

In recent months, the retail spot has played host to virus warnings.

Pictured: Covid warnings displayed in the windows of the former Next store on Queen Street.

While USC has announced its intention to take on the main part of Next's former premises, the section bordering Monsoon is still being advertised as 'to let'.

While the store's movement will signal the end of one vacant spot, it will be leaving the former BHS - one of the largest stores on the high street - in its wake. Its future remains uncertain.

The building located at the corner of King Street and Don Street was bought by Flannels Fashion for £18million after BHS' collapsed. 

Pictured: USC is relocating from the former BHS building. It's unclear how soon it will be before it is filled.

In September 2017, Sports Direct took full ownership of the chain of high-end designer stores which has been operating throughout the UK since 1976, with which it be sharing the renovated space.

In 2018, £4.3m plans were approved to turn the space into a large Sports Direct store.

They were drawn up by Axis Mason architects and included a complete refurbishment of the store and the creation of a £30,000 'kinetic façade' inspired by the one on Debenhams' Oxford Street store.

Video: Debenhams' moving façade.

It's not clear if or when Sports Direct might act on these plans.

Express has approached the company for a comment and is awaiting a reply.