Knight & Lee, established in 1865, was a cornerstone of Southsea’s shopping scene for over 150 years. Acquired by the John Lewis Partnership in 1933, it operated under the Knight & Lee name, distinguishing it from other John Lewis stores. The store closed its doors in July 2019, marking the end of an era.
In 2019, the THAT Group purchased the building with plans to transform it into a mixed-use development, including a hotel, cinemas, eateries, and an indoor food market. However, by 2024, progress had stalled, prompting Portsmouth City Council to consider taking over the site.
In 2022, revised redevelopment plans received approval from Portsmouth City Council. The THAT Group expressed commitment to moving forward with the project, aiming to revitalize the historic building.
This exploration delves into the rich history of Knight & Lee, its closure, and the ongoing efforts to breathe new life into this iconic Southsea landmark.
Related Resources:
- Knight & Lee – Wikipedia
- Green light on revised plans for Southsea’s Knight and Lee building
- Southsea Knight and Lee: Council could take over site after plans for hotel, cinemas, eateries and indoor food market fail to move forward
Leave a Reply