Frasers Group to revamp store at Maidstone’s Fremlin Walk

Frasers Group is set to create a new flagship store in Maidstone after signing a long-term lease renewal at M&G Real Estate’s Fremlin Walk.

Under the new agreement, the group will fully refurbish its existing 101,921 sq ft House of Fraser unit to bring a number of its brands under one roof, including the likes of Flannels and Sports Direct.

The current House of Fraser store will close from 30 March and reopen in the autumn.

Kerry Williams, portfolio director for M&G Real Estate, said: “We are delighted that Frasers Group has not only committed its long-term future to Fremlin Walk, but also selected Maidstone as a location for one of its new flagship concept stores. House of Fraser has been a key footfall driver for the town centre for several years, and we firmly believe that this new enhanced store will attract shoppers from across Kent.

“The continued presence of big name brands such as Frasers Group demonstrates the confidence that major UK and international retailers have in Fremlin Walk which continues to attracts strong footfall throughout the year. As we continue our efforts of creating a diverse and vibrant shopping environment, we hope to welcome share more exciting leasing news over the course of the year.”

Following a number of renewals from existing tenants in 2023, the team at Fremlin Walk is planning to further enhance its retail and F&B offering over the next 12 months and is in discussions with several brands about operating at the Maidstone scheme.

David Legat from retained letting agent Knight Frank said: “Completing this flagship letting and bringing the three incredible brands of Frasers, Sports Direct and Flannels to Fremlin Walk secures the scheme as a retail-led destination long into the future. Fremlin Walk has now firmly cemented its position as the centre of Maidstone. We look forward to building on this success and announcing more exciting brands to our line up in the near future.”

This will not be the first time Frasers group has repurposed a department store, having opened a concept store in a former Debenhams at Gateshead’s Metrocentre.

Alongside Knight Frank, Green & Partners acts as the retained letting agent for Fremlin Walk.