THE OLD House of Fraser building in Cirencester is to be given a new lease of life.

Planning permission was granted earlier this month by Cotswold District Council for alterations which will see the key building in Market Place transformed into a 'vibrant social enterprise' at the 'heart of Cirencester'.

Plans include the installation of a new kitchen and toilets which will be completed this year and will see the site transformed into an enterprise called Monastery & Co.

The iconic House of Fraser building, which has stood vacant since 2019, will be taken over by the Cirencester Grace Network in partnership with the Diocese of Gloucester.

On Friday, those behind the scheme had a special visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby who was on a three-day tour of the diocese.

Adrian Beere, chief executive of the Cirencester Grace Network, said: "Monastery & Co will be a transformative hub at the heart of Cirencester, going beyond a mere retail space to become a beacon of community and opportunity.

"The support from the Diocese of Gloucester, Cotswold District Council, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been invaluable, and we were excited to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury to witness the beginning of this exciting journey."

The Diocese of Gloucester has made a financial contribution to enable this project to launch, while it has also received support from CDC through the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: House of Fraser in Cirencester to be transformed

CDC leader Joe Harris was recently shown around the building by Mr Beere.

Following his visit to Cirencester, Mr Welby visited the Grace Network's Brimscombe Mill site in Stroud for a meal at the Long Table.

Paul James, economic development lead at CDC, said: "The council is pleased to have supported this brilliant project through the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK.

"Many local people will have seen the work underway in recent months to bring the old House of Fraser building back to life and I'm confident it will really enhance Cirencester town centre, providing jobs and opportunities and repurposing a longstanding vacant site.

"I'm really excited to visit once the doors are open to the public and I'm looking forward to seeing the transformation of the building continue in the weeks ahead."