A 100-year-old family business will close its doors after a student accommodation developer won permission to demolish part of a Loughborough shopping centre.
Tylers Department Store in Loughborough has announced that it will be closing in January 2027 following a long-running dispute centred on the surrounding precinct.
Student accommodation provider Leicester Commercial Limited lodged several applications with Charnwood Borough Council to demolish Carillon Court, the town’s historic 1970s mall, throughout 2025.
In May 2026, the developers were successful in their bid to demolish part of the site and have since resubmitted a wider demolition proposal.
At that time, Tylers, which owned its shop and nearby car park, said it would weather the storm.
But now, the company’s leaders have announced that they have agreed a deal with the developers, meaning it will have to close next year.
However, under the contract, Tylers has been promised a spot in the new development, which is expected to provide a mix of student accommodation and retail units.
Director Steve Tyler said: “We wanted to give the staff as long as possible because, obviously, it’s been a bit of a blow for them.
“It’s very disappointing for us as far as the staff are concerned because we’ve got a lot of people who have been with us for a long time, some for up to 40 years.
“So we really had to do as much as we could to give them the best chance.”
Mr Tyler added that it will be “business as usual” for the next six months. After that, the business will continue operating with an online presence.
He added: “Both the developer and we are happy that we’ve come together, and we’ve got the option of the new unit when the new development is constructed.
“Without our amazing staff and our loyal customers, we wouldn’t have reached the hundred years that we’ve been in business. We’ve been through the Great Depression, world wars, and economic booms and busts.
“So we have seen a lot in our 104-year history, but this is just a continuation of the development of the business.”
On the other side of the deal, Leicester Commercial Limited director Jamie Lewis said the news meant plans to tear down and replace the “eyesore” centre could finally get started.
He said contractors would look to commence demolition as soon as Tylers had moved out and would rebuild the site as soon as planning permission was secured.
Mr Lewis said the redevelopment would bring “vibrancy and life” to the town centre.
“All towns and cities need people living in them. Without people living in them, more and more retail will be lost.”
By Caitlin James, Local Democracy Reporter