The historic branch in London’s Oxford Street will shut in January with the confirmation coming a week after the landlord received planning permission to redevelop the building. The new plans will see partial demolition and rebuilding of the upper floors as they’re converted to offices, with a gym and pool in the basement. Retail will remain at ground level but it was clear that a big, traditional department store wasn’t part of the planning. It’s not only department stores like HoF and Debenhams that are shutting on the street with retailers including Next and Zara also having closed branches and other big names like Gap and Topshop exiting due to changes in their business models. And while other leading retailers — such as Superdry and Mango — have opened significant flagships there, it’s clear that Oxford Street is likely to remain a work-in-progress for at least the next year as its rebirth is kick-started.