Changes proposed to layout of former Gap store

THE former Gap clothes shop in Cheltenham’s Promenade could be partly demolished as the owner seeks to get it occupied again.

The unit, which is on the corner of Imperial Lane between Superdry and Joules, has been vacant since Gap left more than two and a half years ago.

Now a tenant is keen to move into the listed building in January and the owner says the key to that happening is subdividing it.

Cheltine Ltd has applied to the borough council for planning permission to carry out the work and some refurbishment.

A report within the application said the unit, which is at 106 Promenade, had been marketed since it became empty, but without success.

The report said a business was now interested, but it wanted the site to be changed.

The report said: “A new retail/commercial occupier has now been identified for the front of the building at ground and first floor level. The tenants wish to take possession of the building in January 2023 and to achieve this, Cheltine, as landlords, are required to undertake some internal works.

“The shop has stood empty for some time and is showing signs of decay.”

The report added: “Sadly, 106 has been empty since the end of the Gap tenancy in March 2020. “It appears that the upper floors were unused by Gap and have been vacant for some considerable time.

“Due to its size, configuration and likely cost of refurbishment, 106 has proved unattractive to potential new tenants. The scheme proposes the subdivision of 106 to secure the tenant.” The council aims to determine the application by December 7.