Plans to turn family-run Brighton tool shop into boutique

An upmarket department store is looking to move to Brighton’s North Laine on the site of a popular family-run business.

Established in 1880, Aird and Co tool shop has been trading from its Bond Street premises for decades.

But that looks set to change as London-based boutique Oliver Bonas has applied to make changes to the early 19th Century listed building.

Aird owner Bob Carey yesterday said he did not want to speak about the plans for a “couple of weeks” but it is understood that he is retiring.

Oliver Bonas, which already has 40 shops, has submitted a planning application to make changes to the ground and first floor of the building.

It will be the London-based store’s first chain south of the capital.

According to its website: “Oliver Bonas is the place to come if you celebrate individuality, cherish good design and are inspired by the cool, the quirky and the creative.”

A decision will be taken by Brighton and Hove City Council on the plans in the coming months.