House of Fraser, Camberley

Acting as Development Consultant, we led visioning, feasibility, appraisal and stakeholder engagement to define objectives, test options and establish a deliverable route forward. We reviewed eight initial options and assessed demand across retail, commercial, leisure, health and residential uses, identifying mixed-use refurbishment of the existing building as the preferred solution.

The preferred strategy would repurpose the building for retail, workspace, civic and community uses, bringing new activity into the town centre, improving access to services, supporting local businesses and creating a new civic hub for residents.

Creating a viable route forward

The scheme involved technical, financial and stakeholder complexity. We tested viability under multiple scenarios, including costs, debt, occupancy and grant funding, and confirmed a positive Internal Rate of Return with long-term tenant revenue potential.

We also advised on key constraints including asbestos, planning policy, parking and access, while developing a delivery programme and phased approach to reduce the council’s financial exposure.

Soft market testing indicated an 80% pre-let rate, giving the council confidence that the preferred option was commercially viable and capable of attracting occupiers.

Reimagining a town centre landmark

The preferred approach was based on repurposing the former House of Fraser building rather than demolishing it, which would save an estimated 733 tonnes of embodied carbon while giving a prominent town centre asset a new purpose for local people.

To support stakeholder confidence, we used 3D imagery, briefings, workshops and councillor engagement to make the proposals clear and accessible. This helped show how the scheme could support everyday town centre life, create community benefits and strengthen the case for future investment.

The preferred option was estimated to support 326 jobs and generate around £157 million of economic value over 10 years. It would also help unlock other council-owned sites for future housing, creating wider benefits beyond the building itself.