GO Outdoors is opening in an empty unit previously occupied by John Lewis, according to proposals.

The retailer, which sells tents, clothing and equipment for outdoor activities including cycling, hiking and more will take over the shop in Basing View, which closed in 2021 as John Lewis. 

Planning consultant company, Firstplan, has submitted an application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on behalf of the retailer to update the building's signage to reflect its new 'confirmed tenant'.

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(Image: BDBC)

John Lewis vacated the building at the store next to Eastrop roundabout in 2021, as part of the retailer's decision to close eight shops after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision was made to 'reflect changing ways of customers shopping' according to the company, which said it expected 60-70 per cent of sales would be made online in the future.

If approved, the illuminated signs on the outside of the building, erected in 2015 as a purpose-built Waitrose and John Lewis flagship store, will be replaced to read 'GO Outdoors' instead of 'John Lewis'. 

The application states that it 'seeks consent for the signage scheme required to advertise GO Outdoors’ presence within the premises'.

The signs will be 'in keeping with the scheme previously consented to' and therefore there will be 'no impact on the surrounding area'.

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In addition, Firstplan says the signs will 'complement the host building and its setting' as well as 'incorporate high-quality materials' to create a 'contemporary finish'.

The retailer already has a superstore in the town in Chineham, which opened in Gaston's Wood retail area in 2009, marking the chain's 18th branch.

The JD Sports-owned company has more than 90 shops across the UK, with other branches in Southampton, Manchester, Poole, Cambridge, Stoke and more.

The opening date of the store is not currently known, however, the Gazette has contacted Go Outdoors for further information.