Selfridges, an iconic London department store, is embarking on a strategic venture by investing in office and retail space on the bustling Oxford Street. Teaming up with flexible workspace company Fora, Selfridges has set its sights on transforming a 1950s building located at the corner of Duke Street and Oxford Street into a dynamic space spanning a generous 45,000 sq ft.
The renowned architects Piercy&Co have been commissioned to refurbish and extend the building, ensuring that it can accommodate the needs of both office and retail occupants. While the ground floor will continue to house retail units, Selfridges plans to introduce up to four new shops in the space previously occupied by French Connection.
Fora, recognized for its innovative workspace solutions, will take over the upper floors of the building to create a blend of shared and private workspaces, along with two floors designated for hosting events. With a strong presence in London comprising of ten offices, Fora’s partnership with Selfridges signifies a strategic move to establish a foothold in the heart of the capital.
The ambitious project is slated for completion in August 2021, marking a significant step for Selfridges as it ventures into a new realm. This strategic decision mirrors a larger trend in the retail industry, with companies like Debenhams also exploring ways to repurpose their commercial spaces – as seen in their recent planning approval to convert floors into office space on Oxford Street.
Selfridges’ investment in transforming office and retail spaces on Oxford Street serves as a key component of its broader strategy to revitalize the area surrounding its flagship store in Central London. By collaborating with Fora and introducing innovative concepts, Selfridges is not only enhancing its own offerings but also playing a pivotal role in shaping Oxford Street into a vibrant hub for commerce and creativity.
To learn more about this exciting development project, visit Selfridges and Fora.
