Camp Hopson set for makeover

Newbury Town Councillors back plans

TOWN councillors have backed plans for a makeover of one of Newbury’s most recognisable stores.

Bosses looking to rebrand Camp Hopson in Northbrook Street have submitted an application to West Berkshire Council, which will see new signage, featuring a new logo, adorn the front and rear of the shop, as well as new awnings and lighting.

The department store was founded in 1921 following the amalgamation of two long- established family businesses in Newbury – Alfred Camp’s Drapery Bazaar and Joseph Hopson’s Furniture Store. It has been present on Newbury’s main shopping street ever since.

Applicant Morley Stores Ltd, which took over the operation in 2014, says the proposed alterations to the store front are a continuation of the long-standing practice of changing the adornment of the building to match current trends, while respecting the identity of the historic facade.

The works would also see a new entrance at the north end of the store, which bosses hope will encourage more shoppers to enter, and improve customer circulation.

The application is currently awaiting a decision from West Berkshire Council. However, Newbury Town Council is firmly behind the plans.

Members voted unanimously to support the application at a recent meeting of the planning and highways committee with Miles Evans (Con, Victoria) saying: “I have absolutely no objections to this at all.”

“I think we should be doing everything we can to support independent businesses in our town.”