A landmark department store in central Colchester re-launches today with a new name.
The former Williams and Griffin store has undergone a two-and-a-half-year £35million revamp, with a refurbishment both inside and on the High Street taking place.
It officially re-opens today, the start of a four-day weekend of celebrations, and the store will now be called Fenwick Colchester – in line with its owner and sister stores, the Fenwick group.
Carl Milton, managing director of Fenwick Colchester, said: “The new Fenwick Colchester store is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in this two and a half year redevelopment – we are immensely proud.
“The building is an important part of Colchester history, which we’ve preserved through the restoration of several design features, alongside contemporary new spaces, to strike a balance between the past and future.
“The 40,000 sq ft extension has helped bring more than 70 new brands to store, and, as Fenwick Colchester officially opens its doors, we look forward to welcoming visitors into the store to enjoy the Fenwick Colchester shopping experience.
“We strongly believe the redevelopment will inspire continued improvement to Colchester’s shopping offer, helping reassert Colchester as the pre-eminent shopping destination in the region.”
A ribbon will be cut at noon today to mark the occasion with the help of St Helena Hospice chief executive Mark Jarman-Howe, as Fenwick is matching pound-for-pound all charity fundraising in store for the hospice this year.
The weekend of celebrations includes entertainment, demonstrations, competitions, and later opening hours.
The works have increased the size of the shop by 50% and demonstrated an investment in Colchester town centre.
Michelle Reynolds, chairwoman of the Colchester Retail/Business Association, said: “It shows there’s confidence in the town if they are willing to put that much money in, but it looks fantastic. It’s very smart and very spacious.
“I hope people would be encouraged to come in and see Fenwick’s, and then see the rest of the town as well.”
Tim Young, deputy leader of Colchester Borough Council and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “It’s great news, it’s fantastic for Colchester to have a landmark Fenwick’s site in our High street, it shows great confidence in Colchester.
“We are really looking forward to the official launch (today).
“Fenwick’s is a name that is associated with quality and value and we are absolutely delighted they have chosen to invest in Colchester town centre. I can’t think of anyone who has a bad word to say about it.
“It’s wonderful news.”
The major construction work has seen the High Street closed on two occasions while large cranes involved in the work were put in place and removed, and archaeological work during the redevelopment also uncovered the Fenwick Treasure – a significant find of jewellery and bones which has given historians new insight into the period of the Boadicea revolt in Colchester. The pieces are now on display in Colchester Castle, after Fenwick donated the find to Colchester Borough Council.
Launch events take place today and tomorrow from 9am-7pm, from 9am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday.
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