Plans submitted to transform iconic Beales building into flats

Agent Terence O'Rourke Ltd who is acting on behalf of East Cliff Property Limited have submitted plans to build 130 flats with a gym and pool as well as commercial, business and service space to replace the long-standing former Beales building in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

The mixed-use redevelopment would "help meet identified needs for housing" and create a "positive contribution to the regeneration of Bournemouth town centre."

As well as 130 apartments, the proposal includes 45 car parking spaces accessed by two car lifts at the ground floor, lower ground and basement levels, and cycle storage in two areas accommodating 178 bikes, an indoor swimming pool, a rooftop garden, a gym and a spa.

Structural work would see the building extended to a total of 13 storeys when adding the current basement, lower ground, and upper ground floors, if approved.

READ MORE: Empty Bournemouth shops attracting interest, says council chief

According to a design and access statement, the applicant is planning to "respect the architectural language of the existing building" and will maintain the building’s "distinctive character and presence."

Commercial, business and service use is proposed at ground level with windows and doors onto the street which "create interest and activity".

Residential apartments are proposed at upper levels, with balconies and landscaped roof terrace areas at upper level to "enhance private amenity."

If approved, the 13-storey structure will be named "Beale Place," continuing the memory of the previous landmark.

READ MORE: Photos: The Beales story in the store's own pictures

The flats would include 28 studio apartments, 59 one-bedroom, 32 two-bedroom and 11 three-bedroom homes. 

In the planning application, Terence O'Rourke Ltd, said: "Changes in demand make it extremely difficult for landlords to find single-use retail tenants for large town centre department stores. Fresh thinking about their function and use is needed to avoid them becoming redundant."

The Beales building has been vacant since March 18, 2020 after the company went into administration. 

Beales was founded in 1881 by John Elmes Beale, born in Weymouth in 1849.

Beales in 1900

This structure is the third building on the site on the corner of Old Christchurch Road, since J E Beales was originally founded. The original Fancy Fair and Oriental House owned the premesis when the area was developing as the commercial and retail centre for the rapidly expanding new town.

The present building, designed by local architects Jackson & Greenen, was constructed between 1952 and 1956 (in two phases), in an Art Deco-influenced modernist style over seven storeys. The building formed part of post-war reconstruction work.

The lunchtime Luftwaffe raid claimed more than 70 lives, mainly at the Central Hotel in Richmond Hill and the Metropole Hotel at the Lansdowne.

Beales took a direct hit, rupturing a gas line which started a blaze that razed the store.

Beales continued to thrive and in 1995, Beale PLC floated on the Stock Exchange and bought more stores – but challenging times were ahead.

The company had to deal with a major drop in profits in Bournemouth and Poole with the opening of Castlepoint in 2003, as well as the rise of internet shopping and ever more aggressive competition.