Nominated by: C20
Have C20 acted upon before? No
Region: North West
Former names: Whitaker's
Dates from: 1907
Architect: George Crowther
Listed: Grade II
Features of merit: Architectural interest: for its relatively intact exterior which combines decorative ironwork of c1905 and 1930s embellishments (Gervis Place) with an early 1920s ornamented façade (Old Christchurch Road) of good-quality tile decoration by Carter and Co of Poole; * Historic interest: as a particularly good and quite well-documented example of a purpose-built, provincial department store which has evolved over the years in response to changing shopping trends and architectural fashions; * Interior: for the survival of historic features, notably cast-iron columns, decorative plasterwork and the two principal staircases and associated balustrades, which is not always to be expected in commercial premises.

Closed 2016. Owner (Beales?) at risk of administration.

Suggest an update