A Cheltenham building that briefly became a lifeline for independent traders has closed once again, ending a pop-up marketplace that helped many small businesses grow and has left others searching for new premises. Cavendish House, the former department store that was established in 1823 on the Promenade, shut on Saturday after operating as a pop-up marketplace for local traders. The building’s owner, Canada Life Asset Management, said the closure marks the next step in plans to redevelop the site.
The pop-up market launched in 2024 following the departure of House of Fraser, and offered a low-cost space to dozens of start-up and independent businesses. Canada Life is reportedly planning to remove the bridge connecting Cavendish House to the Regent Arcade as part of the new redevelopment.
While no demolition date has yet been announced, the company said the work is necessary ahead of a future planning application.
One of those was Siobhan Westmacott, owner of haberdashery business The Kiwi Fruit Is Cute, told the BBC that the pop-up market was “absolutely fantastic” and offered “cheap rent.” Her business is now set to reopen in Normandy House on 14 February.
On Saturday, she also shared a post on social media: “Cavendish House is now closed for good, and I honestly do not have the words to properly express how grateful we are.
“18 months ago, I randomly decided to make scrunchies to sell, with little to no sewing experience and even less haberdashery knowledge, and somehow that has grown into a whole craft community, thanks to three people winging it, learning on the job, and caring a lot.
“This space has become a place to belong, filled with kindness, creativity, and people who feel like home. We would never have been able to grow the way we have without being given the opportunity to be here, and none of this exists without our customers and our craft family who support us, believe in us, and show up time and time again.”
She added: “Every visit, every chat, every class, every bit of encouragement still means more than you will ever know. This chapter will always have our whole hearts, and now this move feels like our chance to grow even more. So many good things are coming, and we cannot wait to keep building this community with you at Normandy House. Thank you, endlessly.”
A Canada Life Asset Management spokesperson said: “Cavendish House will be closing on January 31 to facilitate the next stage of the building’s redevelopment, beginning with the removal of the bridge link to Regent Arcade.
“We are engaged with Cheltenham Borough Council in respect of an updated pre-application planning process and remain committed to working closely with local stakeholders as we move forward with the next phase of Cavendish House’s regeneration.”