The disused Cavendish House site on Cheltenham’s Promenade is receiving a splash of color thanks to local street artist Andy Dice Davies. Renowned for enlivening buildings during the Cheltenham Paint Festival, Andy has been commissioned by Canada Life Asset Management to create vibrant murals on three hoardings and a window at the vacant department store.
Following Cavendish House’s permanent closure in January, the site had become an eyesore, with graffiti and tents pitched by homeless individuals. In response, Canada Life swiftly installed hoardings in March to secure the building and engaged Andy to transform the space into a visually uplifting landmark.
Andy, a lifelong Cheltenham resident with personal ties to Cavendish House through family members, expressed his sadness over the store’s closure but enthusiasm about contributing positively to the community. “To see Cavendish House close was a real shame," he said. “But it’s great to lighten the mood and create something that people can enjoy.”
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Passersby have warmly welcomed the artwork; Andy routinely engages with 40 to 50 curious onlookers daily who appreciate seeing tangible improvement amid the building’s transition.
One standout mural creatively blends Cheltenham’s rich history with modern life. Drawing from a 1900s photograph, it depicts a horse and cart and a vintage carriage alongside a woman on her mobile phone, a man on an e-scooter, and a drone delivering a package—subtly reflecting the impact of online shopping on traditional retail.
Another piece, visible on a window facing County Court Road, features Cheltenham’s Municipal Offices beneath a “We love Cheltenham” message, reinforcing community pride. Additional murals are planned, including floral-themed artwork for the Promenade hoarding.
Scott Lahive, Cavendish House’s building manager, praised the collaboration: “Working with Andy has allowed us to keep the building’s frontage active and inviting during this uncertain period. The fusion of historical influence and vibrant street art has sparked a fantastic response from locals and visitors alike.”
Cavendish House, with a 201-year history, closed first under House of Fraser in April 2024, briefly reopened as a pop-up hub for independent traders, then ceased operations permanently in January 2025 ahead of anticipated redevelopment. While Canada Life has removed the connecting bridge to Regent Arcade, future plans for the site remain under discussion with Cheltenham Borough Council.
In the meantime, these colorful murals are injecting new life into a once-sad space, turning it into a beacon of creativity and community spirit as the site awaits its next chapter.