UK: The former premises of The Famous, a tailor in Cheltenham High Street, is being converted in to nine serviced apartments.
The company closed in 2013 after more than 125 years in business. Its four-storey premises will feature a Patisserie Valerie on the ground floor, and the apartments, called The Famous Residence, in its three upper floors.
Cheltenham-based Serviced Lets, which is managing the project, has teamed up with the former managing director of The Famous, Ross Cole, as part of the process.
“I’m very happy to be involved,” said Mr Cole. “We have had a look at a lot of the old plans, some of which go back to the 1920s. It’s nice to see the Famous name continuing in Cheltenham. I think when we closed in this building we had 30 staff, so it’s quite nice for them too, to see the building is still being used and the name continues.”
Director of Service Lets, Lee Pemberton, said: “This is a very exciting time for us. Scaffolding has gone up and work has started to transform The Famous’s three upper floors into what will be very high specification serviced apartments. Inside it will look completely different. At the moment upstairs is just open floor space but what we’re doing on the back is adding an extra apartment. Outside will be retained. It will still have the regency feel but we’re just bringing it right up to date.”
Guests will be offered a personal shopping service, laundry services, free WiFi and TV.</p
