WORK has finally begun on transforming the former House of Fraser building in Cirencester into a community hub.
Scaffolding outside the former retail space at 29 – 35 Market Place indicates that builders have started work to replace the glazed shopfront window after an application for the first stage of work was approved in November.
The building has been empty since House of Fraser closed in January 2019 but has been acquired by the Grace Network – a new organisation which takes over large buildings and moves in social enterprises. Profits are then reinvested into the local community through higher pay, community events and giving away free goods. This Cirencester Grace Network Hub project is being spearheaded by Tom Herbert who is one of the founders of community interest company The Long Table.