Cheltenham Civic Society has revealed a local architectural studies graduate's vision to transform the former Cavendish House site into a new town centre destination, creating what it describes as a long-missing focal point for the town centre.
The proposal, known as ‘Cavendish Exchange’, would link The Promenade with Regent Street and reimagine one of Cheltenham’s most prominent sites following the closure of the historic department store in 2024 after more than 200 years of trading.
If realised, the full length of the iconic building's façade along the Prom would play home to shops, cafés and restaurants – occupying double-height glazed units at ground and first floor levels – while a signature restaurant or food court would extend over the left-hand side of the middle floor. The remaining two and a half floors would house residential apartments.
The visionary scheme has been developed by Cynthia Hartmann, founder and creative director of Interior Design CH, as part of her graduate studies at the University of Gloucestershire, and has since been supported by Cheltenham Civic Society, which has helped test its commercial and financial viability.
Cheltenham Civic Society chair Andrew Booton said: ‘We have examined the development numbers carefully and believe the proposal is entirely viable in commercial terms. The scheme would create a high value, mixed-use destination featuring new homes, hospitality, retail and public space in one of the most strategically important locations in Gloucestershire.
'It has the potential to generate substantial long-term rental income, significant new council tax revenues and millions of pounds in additional spending power for businesses across Cheltenham town centre', he added.
The society is urging Canada Life to 'work constructively with the ideas behind Cavendish Exchange or to sell the site to a developer that is prepared to move quickly', with Andrew Booton adding: 'Cheltenham cannot afford another six years of excuses while one of the most important sites in the town centre sits empty and decaying.
'This town deserves ambition. It deserves confidence. And it deserves a town centre that reflects Cheltenham at its very best.'
Find out more about the plans on the Cheltenham Civic Society website.
