MP MANUELA Perteghella has called on ministers to give more powers to local authorities to get derelict buildings back into productive use.
The old BHS building, also known as the Mulberry Tree Centre in Stratford, closed its doors on July 23 2016, almost 10 years ago. Many Stratfordians would like to see it redeveloped, but while planning applications have been submitted in recent years, no serious commitment to development has been seen.
Speaking in Parliament Stratford MP Dr Perteghella said: “The old British Home Stores building in the heart of Stratford lies disused and crumbling, a blight on the beauty of our high street. Does the Minister agree that it must be made easier for communities to tackle eyesore buildings by imposing harsher measures on offending landlords, and by strengthening measures to allow local authorities to bring them back into productive use?”
The Parliamentary under-secretary of state for housing, communities and local development MP Nesil Caliskan responded saying: “The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 goes some way towards addressing it, but I highlight that the Government are pushing ahead with high-street rental auctions, which are helping to bring long-term empty shops back into use.”
Speaking after the event Dr Perteghella added: “The old BHS building stands at the gateway to Stratford town centre, the economic hub of my constituency. A once beautiful building with art deco features, it now sits sad and derelict; owned by a faceless corporation who are not maintaining it in good order. Weeds, litter and temporary fencing blight this area.
“I’d like to see this building reimagined for a new era, but until that, the owners should at the very least, keep it in good working order.
“The old Debenhams site is currently making good progress and is anticipated to re-open as The Ivy later this year, breathing new life into our high street. It’s high time that the BHS building got the same treatment.”
