Plans for former Fenwick's building revealed by new owner

The new owner of the iconic former Fenwick’s building on the corner of Market Street and Belvoir Street have revealed their plans for the former department store.

Speaking to the Leicester Mercury, Aimrok Holdings confirmed they have bought the property and intend to transform it into shops and flats.

Aimrok’s project manager Vijay Patel explained that they plan to split the basement and ground floor of the building into four new retails units, and add a restaurant, bar and gym as well as 90 new flats on the upper floors.

Mr Patel said:

The scheme will include high-end apartments for the private rental sector, as well as a champagne bar and retail units. We are working on scheme drawings now, ready for planning late summer.

The purchase of this iconic building in Leicester is really important to us. It has a great deal of history and our plans will create an exciting concept for Leicester and will secure the building’s future.

By creating a mixed use scheme, the building has a future which is sustainable for many years to come.

Aimrok Holdings completed their purchase of the 106,000 sq ft building last week for an undisclosed six-figure sum.

The department store chain Fenwick closed the doors of it’s Leicester branch for the final time in March 2017, making all of the 97 staff redundant. Chairman Mark Fenwick blamed the closure of the store – which had been on Leicester for over 50 years – on the loss of footfall in the area.

As part of the new era for the iconic building, Aimrok have appomited Leicester architects RG+P. Their director, James Bradley, said of the project:

We intend maintaining the façade, while modernising parts of the building to increase its longevity.

In order to ensure the building is sustainable and that it is around for another 100 years, we want to adapt it so it is suitable for a range of uses.

Aimrok says their new development is expected to create 150 jobs during the build – and the same following its completion.

James Coningsby, head of commercial property at Nelsons Solicitors who advised Aimrok on the purchase also spoke to the Mercury, said:

The new development will invigorate the Market Street area. The Aimrok plans will secure the building’s future, create employment during the build and after its completion.

The new owner will be creating a significant development in an employment district.

The gym will be an excellent addition for the Market Street area. This, coupled with a high end bar and restaurant, will really appeal to office workers and fit well with the surroundings.

The plans for the building mirror those of the new development replacing the old New Walk towers, which will feature flats and apartments as well as shops and restaurants on the ground floor.

What do you think of the new plans for Fenwick’s? Let us know in the comments below…