Omega RE has advised the landlord on the letting of over 9,000 sq ft at Bobby’s, Bournemouth, to leading UK law firm Trethowans — a deal that reflects growing occupier confidence and the accelerating transformation of the town centre.
The letting of the second floor marks a significant milestone in the repositioning of the landmark former department store, with Trethowans committing to a major, long-term presence in Bournemouth. More than a single transaction, it signals a broader shift in how occupiers are viewing town centres, prioritising quality, amenity and connectivity within vibrant, mixed-use environments.
Bournemouth is undergoing a period of meaningful reinvention. As traditional retail continues to evolve, the town centre is emerging as a more diverse, experience-led destination, underpinned by investment across workspace, hospitality, education and culture. Developments such as Bobby’s are leading this change, bringing together modern office space with a curated mix of food, leisure and community-driven uses that create a compelling reason to be in the town centre.
Recent arrivals including The Ivy, The Botanist and Patch at Bobby’s, alongside continued investment in skills, education and cultural programming across the town, are reinforcing Bournemouth’s position as an increasingly attractive location for both established businesses and growing enterprises. This convergence of sectors is helping to reshape the town centre into a place not just to work, but to connect, collaborate and experience.
Trethowans’ new office, due to open in early summer, will provide significantly greater capacity than its existing premises, supporting the firm’s continued growth across Dorset and its long-term commitment to the region.
Bobby’s Bournemouth offers a range of high-quality office suites within an extensively refurbished mixed-use building, combining modern workspace with a strong amenity provision. Occupiers benefit from an on-site café, communal terrace, The Botanist, and access to a serviced office environment including meeting rooms, podcast studio and event space, reflecting the growing demand for workplaces that support both productivity and community.
Following the Trethowans letting, limited space remains available:
2nd floor – 807 to 5,338 sq ft
3rd floor – 1,604 sq ft
4th floor – 2,890 sq ft (Powered by Patch)
Jonathan Trice, Omega RE, commented: “This is a defining letting for Bobby’s and a strong indicator of where Bournemouth town centre is heading. We’re seeing a clear shift in occupier behaviour, with businesses seeking well-located, high-quality space that offers more than just an office, they want amenity, energy and a sense of place. Bobby’s delivers on all of those fronts, and the level of interest we’re seeing in the remaining space reflects the growing confidence in Bournemouth as a commercial destination.”
Andy Birt, Director at Bobby’s, added: “We are delighted to welcome Trethowans to Bobby’s. Securing a firm of this calibre is a significant milestone not just for the building, but for the wider town centre. The strength of demand we’re seeing is a clear reflection of Bournemouth’s evolution into a more dynamic, experience-led environment where businesses want to be.”
As investment, occupier demand and cultural activity continue to build, Bournemouth is re-establishing itself as a vibrant and resilient commercial hub, with developments such as Bobby’s playing a central role in redefining the future of the town centre.
Omega RE led negotiations and managed the transaction through to completion on behalf of the landlord.
