'Exciting transformation' planned at the Bridge Centre as the bookshop considers its future after its closure
Officials have confirmed an ‘exciting transformation’ is taking place at the Bridge Centre following confirmation the much-loved book shop currently based there will be closing its doors
As previously reported by The News the council informed the owner of Bridge Centre books, Shirley Lunn, in November last year that it would be taking back the unit but it had said it would work to find the shop a new unit within the centre. The book shop has announced it will be closing on August 1.
The council has said that it is continuing to do everything it can to offer an alternative to the book shop, currently inside the shopping centre, and a unit on the outside of the shopping centre is still available. As of yet though an agreement has not been made and Shirley is looking at her options for the future of the store.
In a statement the council said: "The Bridge Centre is undergoing an exciting transformation to become a vibrant mixed-use space, offering a blend of small offices, co-working areas, and retail opportunities. The centre is already welcoming new tenants who will contribute to this change.
"To accommodate these exciting additions, some layout adjustments are necessary. The Bridge Centre Bookshop's current location is being considered for conversion to enterprise space, which will generate more income to fund the overall centre and its community initiatives.
"We have been in ongoing discussions with the Bridge Centre Bookshop and offered them an alternative space, Unit 1 (known as the Icey Spicey unit) which is within the centre with a shop front on Fratton Road. They have also been offered additional storage space.
"The lease on the unit currently occupied by the Bridge Centre Bookshop expires on 17 of August. Unit I is currently being refurbished to the highest standards and will be ready for the Bridge Centre Bookshop by the end of their current lease. Standard commercial terms will apply, which include having the correct insurances in place.
"The Bridge Centre project aligns with Portsmouth City Council's long-term vision to revitalise high streets and unlock Fratton's economic potential."