A former House of Fraser store has been given a new lease of life

The department store closed in 2019 as the high-street staple shut dozens of stores across the country.

After a major refit, the building is now set to reopen as a vibrant community hub with a food enterprise plus outlets selling second-hand furniture, preowned children’s gear and refurbished and new bikes.

Four community interest companies will initially be housed in the centre - the Long Table food hub, the Home Remedy furniture outlet, Kids Stuff, which will sell donated children's clothing and toys, and the Bike Drop cycle centre.

Run by social enterprise hub the Grace Network, which has a successful site in Stroud, there will also be a central ‘cloister’ area where members of the public can meet up plus a library and an event space.

The hub is set to open on Friday, November 1.

Annie Campbell, communications manager for the Cirencester Grace Network, said: “We are aiming to address things like injustice and inequality in society, and so all of our offerings are focused on reaching all people, wherever they’re at, and meeting people’s essential needs."

Chloe Mason, retail director for the hub, said: “What we’re offering is a building which serves the wider community.

“There is so much we do, we can literally offer something to everyone.”

The Bike Drop will sell new and refurbished bikes while also offering servicing and repairs, free assessments and training.

Meanwhile, the Long Table is an eatery and gathering place where hot meals are served on a pay-as-you-can basis.

Home Remedy will restore, repurpose and sell home items while also offering support to people who have been referred for help.

In addition, Kids Stuff will sell donated children’s and family goods including toys, books and kids’ clothes, with profits reinvested to support more families.

The old House of Fraser building in Cirencester was initially Frederick Boulton before becoming Rackhams and being acquired by House of Fraser in 1975.

The Grace Network officially signed its lease for the building on August 21 and had its key handover on August 23.

The network is looking for people to help out at the hub in various ways and is appealing for items to be donated.

Items can be dropped off on Wednesdays and Fridays.

For full details see monasteryandco.org.uk