A series of small businesses will be opening up in the former Cavendish House in Cheltenham.

While the long-term future of the 14,000sq m building is decided, a private business - Stanbury Estates - has hired the space for a year and is letting it out to small retailers.

Scott Lahive, general manager of Regent Arcade, said: "Stanbury Estates will be launching their latest venture in the next few weeks. The new occupier will be known as Cavendish House, which we think is very fitting given the building's rich history of providing the shopping public with a variety of products and merchandise. 

"Cavendish House will house many small and independent businesses under one roof, with new traders being recruited along the journey in what will be an ever-evolving shopping destination."

One of the businesses opening a pop-up shop in the former department store is Cotswold Fox Clothing.

Cotswold Fox was founded by Jemima Gray in 2021, when she was a student at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester.

The business has quickly grown from an Instagram page to being stocked in 15 UK stores, exhibiting at major events such as Cheltenham Races and Badminton Horse Trials and a high-traffic website.

Now Jemima is preparing for the launch of her first shop in Cavendish House. The 350sq ft pop-up will open on May 28, along with a range of other retailers.

Jemima said: "I'm super excited. It's a really good opportunity and really accessible for a small business. To me, a shop is a big step, but I've got all the stock ready and I can't wait to get started!"

The country casualwear brand started in lockdown from Jemima's parent's kitchen table and has become a local success story, winning the Online Retailer of Year Start Up award in 2023 and employing a close-knit team of staff. It stocks products including polo shirts, gilets, quarter zips and shorts.

Cavendish House opens to the public on May 28 and Cotswold Fox is holding its own launch event and drinks on Saturday June 1 at 2pm.

The Cotswold Fox pop-up shop will be open for a year.

Cavendish House closed last month, after nearly 200 years as a Cheltenham institution.

Jemima Gray will be a guest on Punchline-Gloucester.com's Business Breakfast Briefers show on June 28.