One week to go before the opening of John Lewis & Partners Cheltenham

The town continues to grow as a destination for shoppers when the multi-million pound shop has its grand opening at 10am on Thursday, 18 October.

After significant investment into the high street, the council eagerly awaits the opening of John Lewis & Partners as Cheltenham’s High Street continues to thrive, reacting to the demands of the customer.

Tim Atkins, the council’s managing director for place and growth, said: “We’re delighted by this significant investment and vote of confidence in Cheltenham’s retail offer. This fantastic new shop is the envy of any shopping destination. Combined with the recent announcements of India Jane, Oliver Bonas, The Botanist, Urban Outfitters and Next all investing in our town, it is clear that confidence remains high.

“This is a stepping stone towards our bigger vision for the town centre. We are continuing to work with the county council to invest in the high street making it more attractive, creating more space and an improved environment for pedestrians and cyclists; improving retail and leisure investment opportunities.”

Martin Bundy, partner and branch manager at John Lewis & Partners Cheltenham said: "With only a few days to go, my team and I are so excited to finally open our doors at 10am on Thursday next week! We can't wait to welcome the people of Cheltenham and Gloucestershire to our shop and look forward to being a part of the thriving high street."  

Kevan Blackadder, BID director added: “John Lewis & Partners’ arrival will be great news for the town as a whole. Not only will people be coming to Cheltenham to shop in the store, but they’ll also visit other shops and businesses of all kinds.

“I think it will also bring some shoppers to Cheltenham for the first time. Many people who live north and south of Cheltenham have also had to go to Cribbs Causeway for John Lewis in the past. They will now be able to enjoy this store and everything else Cheltenham has to offer.”

Ongoing transformation of the high street will see the removal of the hoardings revealing the stunning locally sourced natural stone paving, new seating and trees. In the next few weeks the temporary planters with underlying tarmac surface outside John Lewis will be replaced with stone paving and permanent planters.

The positive improvements and changes to the high street which is part funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds will be further complemented by investment from Urban Outfitters and The Botanist opening soon.

To keep up to date with all the enhancements to the high street visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/urbandesign

For media enquiries contact communications, telephone 01242 264332 or email [email protected]

Notes: The Forest Pennant stone was sourced locally from the Forest of Dean.

Other areas of tarmac at the boundary of the works will be replaced with stone as we look to press on with further improvements along the High Street.

The project has received £60,000 of funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.  The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) are the Managing Authorities for European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund funding through the Growth Programme, funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development.  By investing in projects the funds will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding