Planning approval for major investment in former Richmond upon Thames department store

London-based developer Canadian and Portland has been granted planning approval for a multi-million pound investment in the former department store at 80 George Street in the heart of Richmond upon Thames.

The mixed-use redevelopment at 80 George Street is now being marketed by Hanover Green, CBRE and Green & Partners, having been approved by London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Council.

Designed by the award-winning Colman Architects, the building’s a prominent town centre location is just a few minutes’ walk from Richmond station and the River Thames, making it ideal for a variety of modern, town-centre uses.

The top four floors of the building will provide up to 42,000 sq ft of unique office space, with 22,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space being retained on the ground and lower ground floors.

In addition, the building will feature external terraces to the second, third and fourth floors, as well as a feature reception area, breakout space and modern cycling facilities, including cycle storage, showers and changing facilities.

The building is due to be vacated in September by House of Fraser and subject to a pre let the retail elements could be available for occupation in the autumn of 2021 with the offices in the spring of 2022.

The building will be available as a whole or in part.

A spokesperson for Canadian and Portland commented: “We were delighted to secure planning approval from Richmond Council earlier this year. We’re now at the exciting stage of bringing the scheme to the market and looking ahead to delivering this multi-million-pound investment.

“It will give this prominent building a new lease of life and deliver much-needed, high-quality office and retail space in the heart of Richmond upon Thames, which we believe will support the long-term vitality of the town centre and create hundreds of new jobs.”