The state of Cheltenham town centre is under the spotlight with many people feeling it’s a shadow of its former self. Some big-name shops, restaurants and cafes have closed with boarded up properties blighting shopping areas.
But it’s not all bad news, as new stores are coming and some shops are simply moving to other premises in the town.
We went into town on Friday, February 13 to take stock of what’s left, what’s coming and what’s on the move.
Clarks, a favourite destination for back-to-school shopping, shut its doors on the town’s High Street in November 2025, with the neighbouring Mountain Warehouse soon to be empty too as it moves closer to the Regent Arcade.
Claire’s Accessories, located within the Arcade, is also closing following owner Modella Capital confirming it was entering administration, leading to the town’s store and 143 others set to close. Three empty units sit waiting to be filled at the Boots end of the High Street.
These include the former site of Starbucks (which still has a presence in the Brewery Quarter), Home & Garden Clearance Outlet and The Famous (although this has moved across the street).
But the biggest vacant property is Cavendish House in the Promenade, following the closure of the town’s ‘retail landmark’, House of Fraser, in 2024 after two centuries of trading.
A pop-up marketplace opened within the empty department store, while Cheltenham Borough Council waited for owner Canada Life to submit plans for redevelopment for they described as ‘critical and visible part of the town centre’ in an open letter from council leader Cllr Rowena Hay in October.
The marketplace has now closed, leaving a hole in the heart of Cheltenham. However, when we went into town, despite the rain, there was still a lively atmosphere with the Farmers’ Market taking place in front of the much-missed House of Fraser.
The market is held on the second and last Friday of every month, selling a variety of fresh produce including meat, cheeses and plants.
One market trader said: ‘It was a sign of the times’ that many shops have closed in the town centre. But added: “We won’t be going anytime soon.’
The issue of shops, restaurants and cafes leaving the town centre has been raised at the borough council.
Closures include the Fired Earth Showroom in Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham, which shut following the national chain entering administration on October 31, The Ox in Cambray Place, and Cake Alchemist, Domain 16 and The Find in Regent Street.
Ask Italian in Montpellier also closed, but a new Indian restaurant Bandook is due to open soon.
Last year, Gloucestershire Live reported that former councillor Tim Harman wrote to the borough council, asking: “What steps is the council taking to support businesses of this type in these difficult economic times and to attract new businesses to invest in our town?”
Cabinet member Izaac Tailford (Liberal Democrat, All Saints), who is responsible for economic development and culture in the borough, said the cause of the units closing is beyond the council’s control citing “…business rates, which are set nationally, increasing rent, which is set by landlords, and wider economic pressures such as rising costs of materials.”
And while there have been many closures, it’s important to note there have also been some positive moves. These include a new Tesco Express coming to the Promenade, the opening of Rosa’s Thai on the Promenade, The Coal House opening in Clarence Street and Mad Dog Brewery moving into the Old Fire Station in St James’ Square
