Pegasus Group has secured planning permission to turn the landmark House of Fraser building in Richmond, Surrey, into a mixed-use development with gym and restaurant.

The application, submitted on behalf of developers 80 George Street Limited, part of Sheen Lane Developments, will see the George Street store become home to several high-end occupiers.

The store, which sits in the Central Richmond Conservation Area and was originally built in the 1960s, has been empty since September 2020, when House of Fraser ceased trading.

Now Planners at Richmond-upon-Thames Council have approved the scheme, which will include the erection of an additional storey at fourth floor level, a basement extension to add a swimming pool as part of the gym use, a second-floor rear extension, alongside external alterations to the appearance of the building.

Alterations will also be made to the Grade II listed buildings at 6-8 Paved Court, at the rear of the main building, to add internal partitions so they can become independent units.

Henry Courtier, of Pegasus Group’s London office, said: “We’re extremely pleased to have secured planning consent for this prominent town centre building in the heart of Richmond.

“It offers a superb opportunity to bring back into use a key building that has been empty for more than two years.

“Our client’s plans for this highly desirable site represent a first-class, sustainable design, which will positively integrate into the site and its surroundings of listed buildings.

“Getting the go ahead to transform the former department store is good news for the people of Richmond, who want to see their high street evolve and thrive.”

The developer has already secured occupational interest from several operators, and it is expected that the basement and first floor will be occupied by private gyms, with the ground floor being retail and a restaurant. Offices would occupy floors two and three, while another restaurant would move to the fourth floor.

Pegasus Group has more than 400 skilled and experienced staff operating from 15 locations throughout the UK, with extensive experience in development consultancy.