Seven flagship fashion stores on brink of closure as Britain’s shopping capital plagued by planning nightmare
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SEVEN Oxford Street giants are reportedly at risk of closing for good. Zara, River Island and Urban Outfitters could be forced to move or shut up shop entirely when their leases end. The three shops all share a building whose owners are looking to renovate.
![[Zara is one of the stores at risk of moving away from Oxford Street]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/people-walking-front-zara-shop-962361172.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Swarovski, Bershka, Life Pharmacy and Pandora also operate from Park House, which is nestled on the famous London road. According to claims in a Westminster City Council planning document, all seven businesses intend not to renew their leases once they expire.
![[The shopping area was once the most popular spot in London]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-london-united-kingdom-oxford-962361196.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
However, a spokesperson for the jewellery brand Pandora said no decisions about the leases had been made yet. The Sun has approached Montagu Evans, the planning consultancy acting as the agent for Park House for comment. Plans submitted to the council reveal that Park House's owner is looking to make a number of changes to the building including adding a kitchen for restaurant use.
![[There are plans to add a kitchen to the inside of Park House]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/branch-river-island-oxford-street-962362784.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
There is also talk of improving the face of the building. A combination of the Coronavirus and issues with the building itself are the main factors behind the proposed renovation work, according to the applicant. Poor signage and a lack of variation between units have been blamed for the downfall of the property.
The proposal was presented before the council's Planning Sub-Committee on January 7 and officers have recommended it for approval. According to Companies House, the nine-storey block is co-owned by Qatar Central bank. As well as rental units, which are not fully occupied, there are 39 flats and office space over the floors.
