Nike close to opening in Castlepoint Shopping Park

Planning permission has been granted to Nike to open a new shop in the former GAP outlet unit in Castlepoint shopping park, in Bournemouth. 

GAP has been unoccupied since the summer of 2021 following the clothing company’s decision to close all stores in the UK and move entirely online. The company has since parked that idea.  

Nike sketches in a planning application to BCP Council show the famous tick insignia and glass walls. 

A BCP Council planning officer said: “The proposed changes to the shopfront all fit within the existing facade, with the most significant change being the removal of the coloured Perspex and an increase in clear glazing. “This change would likely open up the shopfront and make it more attractive to passers-by and it is noted that the majority of nearby units have a similar modern appearance to the proposed. "

Following the approval, another planning application has been submitted seeking consent for advertising around the store. 

Nike only has 30 stores open in England, with the closest being in Portsmouth. The Bournemouth store will be the brand’s second in the south west after the Swindon branch.