PLANS to alter the former Maxi Deals premises in Bromsgrove to facilitate an office space with a roof terrace have been submitted.
Bromsgrove District Council received notice of the plans on December 19, 2023 which propose to convert the first floor retail storage space into an office building with new windows whilst retaining the ground floor retail space.
The new space aims to utilise the existing office and welfare facilities on the first floor and use the redundant storage area.
In order to make the first floor usable, additional windows will need to be inserted for natural light and ventilation. The windows are dictated by the removal of the concrete panels and will match the existing windows.
Movement of the ground floor access is also planned to allow for the addition of a separate entrance to the first floor office premises, which will run alongside each other.
The new roof terrace on the top floor of the building will be decked out with glazed balustrades. Existing key-klamp railing and all the mechanical plant on the roof will be removed, as per the plans.
Part of the proposals affect a building within the Bromsgrove High Street Conservation area, and so a conservation application will also be made.
Discount store, Maxi Deals, who were the most recent occupants of the retail space announced the immediate closure of the store on Saturday, January 27 following just eight months in business.
Responding to the plans on social media, many residents questioned the necessity of a roof terrace and a lack of parking to facilitate increased office commuters.
Others were more positive, regarding the plans as a forward step for high street regeneration with hopes an improvement to the building will attract new retailers.
Some suggested the first floor would be better served as a residential property, with many fearing for the future of Bromsgrove’s high street.
