The former M&Co site in Crewkerne could soon be three shops. Picture: Google

Former Somerset department store could become three shops

Paul JonesFebruary 5, 20260 Comment0

A FORMER department store premises in Crewkerne – now leased by budget chain Poundland – could soon be converted into three shops.

Plans have been submitted to Somerset Council by Minster Architecture on behalf of the owner of 9 Market Street to convert the former M&Co store into three units.

M&Co closed its doors in 2023 after the firm collapsed into administration, with the premises then leased by Poundland, which runs a store at nearby 3 Market Street.

The premises – which started life as two shops – were combined in 2010 to form M&Co, with a main entrance from St George’s Shopping Centre.

Now, the applicant wants to divide it into three, with Poundland having sold the property and not expected to renew the lease of the site.

Detailing the history of the building, the application said: “Subsequently new owners, Poundland Ltd, purchased the building and partially reinstated the dividing wall between the original two units fronting Market Street, using the right hand side as their bulk store and the left as sales area.

“Currently, the first floor is used as additional storage space and staff facilities and the second floor above left empty. It is the applicant and new owners’ intension to reinstate the two shop units fronting Market Street, open up their original entrance doors along with their display windows.

“It is also proposed to change the first floor into small office units as opposed to just storage areas.

“The second floor will remain vacant initially but will be the subject of a future application when its best use has been determined.”

It added: “At present it is not known whether the current lessee, Poundland Ltd, will renew their lease, but the indications are that they will not, and the owner of the premises has been advised by his letting agents that leasing such a large premisses in Crewkerne would be difficult, whereas small units are in more demand.”

A Listed Building Consent application has also been submitted for the scheme, as 9 Market Street is Grade II listed.

For more details on the scheme, and to comment, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 26/00200/FUL.