What's going on with the marquees at No. 131?
The white marquees outside popular hotel and dining spot, No. 131 The Promenade in Cheltenham have become a controversial sight.
They were installed in October 2020 to keep the business going during the global pandemic, but have remained standing ever since — despite requests from Cheltenham Borough Council to take them down.
On Thursday 31 October 2024, Julian Dunkerton, the founder of Superdry and owner of No. 131, revealed plans for a permanent terrace to replace them.
What could replace the marquees at No. 131?
The proposal submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council is for a new terrace structure with two design options.
One design is for a glass structure with decorative ironwork, in keeping with many Regency buildings around Cheltenham including No.131 itself.
The second design is for a slim, unobtrusive metal pergola with a retractable roof.
Do the new plans for No. 131 respect Cheltenham's heritage?
Both options have been designed to respect the Regency architecture by award-winning local architects and heritage
experts.
No.131 has also engaged with Cheltenham Borough Council, and separately with Historic England, through the pre-application process.
The submissions are supported by an assessment of the heritage impact, to ensure the integrity of the proposal, both in terms of conservation and design.
The architects behind the design believe the proposed terrace will enhance the appeal of No. 131 and cement its status as a top UK hospitality venue.
What does Julian Dunkerton say about his plans for No. 131?
Julian said: 'The importance of seeking approval for our proposal should not be underestimated.
'It saves around 100 jobs for local people and enables us to create something unique and distinctive for the town.
'Making the terrace of No. 131 a permanent feature ensures the venue itself is economically viable and allows us to plan for the future,
bringing more investment into Cheltenham.'
What's the back story at No. 131?
Following two appeals to keep the temporary marquees standing, Cheltenham Borough Council decided they had to come down in November 2023 because of the impact the marquees have on the Grade II listed buildings they obscure and the appearance of the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area.
The biggest marquees stand in front of the hotel's three Grade II listed Regency villas which date back to the early 1830s, alongside three adjacent gate piers that are also individually Grade II listed.
No. 131 is one of the town's hottest hospitality spots, offering boutique stays and dining in its two restaurants, The Terrace and Japanese fine dining establishment, YOKU; while on-site cocktail bar Gin & Juice is open for late-night drinks.
