The unpopular white ‘tents’ outside Julian Dunkerton’s 131 The Promenade have finally been taken down, to the relief of a local Cheltenham conservation group.
Initially installed during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide socially distanced outdoor seating, these temporary marquees quickly became regarded as “tatty” and an eyesore in the heart of the spa town. Their presence detracted from the beautiful Grade II* listed facades that define Cheltenham’s distinctive character.
Although pandemic-related planning relaxations allowed movable structures like these tents to remain temporarily, those rules expired in 2022. Efforts to retain the tents while longer-term solutions were explored were unsuccessful, leading to the issuance of a planning enforcement notice in January 2024 demanding their removal. An appeal was lodged but did not prevent their eventual dismantling.
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In line with approved plans from earlier this year, a sleek metal pergola with a retractable roof will replace the temporary marquees, providing a stylish and functional covered space for outdoor seating along numbers 129 to 133 The Promenade.
Cheltenham’s Civic Society praised the removal, noting the improvement to the conservation area’s aesthetics: “Lovely to see the tents have gone from part of the forecourt of 131, replaced with graceful parasols that allow the beautiful Grade II* facades to be seen,” said a spokesperson. “That’s how it’s done.”
At present, 131 The Promenade has been approached for comment regarding the pergola installation timeline and future plans.