Fenwick, the esteemed department store, has secured approval from Newcastle City Council for its visionary redesign project for the flagship Newcastle store. The approved plans encompass relocating the main entrance to the store’s center and introducing an aesthetically pleasing canopy.
Hugo Fenwick, the store’s development director, expressed enthusiasm at the council’s nod, stating, “We’re thrilled to have received approval from the council to revamp the frontage of our Newcastle store, aligning seamlessly with the ongoing enhancements on Northumberland Street.”
Councillor Alex Hay added, «This beloved department store holds a special place in the hearts of North East residents, and Fenwick’s investment in this new frontage is a testament to the confidence in our city.”
The sanctioned storefront plans draw inspiration from the site’s original 1880s features, integrating a permanent canopy for added elegance.
According to a council planner’s report, restoring the entrance to the building’s middle will encourage «better engagement» with the public. Fenwick’s planning application emphasized that the redesign aims to «enhance the experience of Christmas window displays.» The council planner’s report noted that with the entrance in the middle, the store’s window displays will «provide views both into and out of the shop,» allowing passers-by to «engage with the store.”
This storefront overhaul is a pivotal element of Fenwick’s £40 million investment initiative, unveiled in 2022 to mark the retailer’s 140th anniversary.
