The iconic Cavendish House department store in Cheltenham has been boarded up after local authorities intervened to remove rough sleepers who had set up tents outside its entrances. The building, a central feature on The Promenade, closed permanently in January 2024, ending more than two centuries of retail history.
Cavendish House, which had operated in Cheltenham since 1823 and served as the House of Fraser flagship for over 50 years, briefly reopened in May 2024. During this time, the site hosted nearly 30 small independent pop-up stalls as a temporary measure while its owners, Canada Life Asset Management, developed plans for redevelopment.
However, the building has now remained empty for over a month. Earlier this week, Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire Police took swift action to clear tents pitched by rough sleepers in the building’s doorways.
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Following this, contractors boarded up all three entrances on March 5 to secure the vacant property. Scott Lahive, Building Manager at Canada Life, explained that boarding entrances is a standard security step for vacant buildings and was carried out in consultation with police and the council.
He added, “Our priority is to keep the building secure and presentable while vacant, and to collaborate with local authorities in managing the situation responsibly.”
Cheltenham Borough Council confirmed that responsibility for securing the building lies with its owners, Canada Life Asset Management.