11 Nov 2026
Homelessness charity Emmaus Hertfordshire is opening a new charity shop in Catherine Street, taking over the former Coupers car dealership.
The announcement follows the charity’s recent departure from its shop at Lockey House, St Peter’s Street, where it traded for nine months after taking over the remaining lease of the former Virgin Money bank premises.
It brings new life to one of the city centre’s biggest retail footprints after months of speculation over its future.
Developers McCarthy & Stone wanted to develop 42 one and two-bedroom retirement living apartments, plus six chalet bungalows, on the huge site once occupied by the car dealership, The Meating Room, A Touch of Spice and Hidden Hearing.
This specialist retirement community would also have included high quality communal landscaped gardens and private outdoor amenity areas, as well as space for 22 parking spaces and mobility scooter stores.
But when a planning application was eventually submitted, SADC rejected the scheme, citing concerns over flood risk management, neighbours being overlooked by the development, and harm to the character and appearance of the St Albans Conservation Area and streetscene.
Neighbours had also raised concerns about the lack of parking within the area, congestion at the junction with St Peter’s Street where there was a pedestrian crossing, the loss of commercial businesses on Catherine Street, and the impact on residents living in nearby St Peter’s Mews.
The applicants did not appeal against the decision, and the site has remained empty ever since.
But now Emmaus Hertfordshire’s new shop at 18-20 Catherine Street will offer a diverse mix of second-hand, restored and upcycled items.
The shop will stock furniture from the Emmaus workshop, clothing, homewares, handicrafts, small electrical items and vintage finds. Customers will also be able to discover a range of handmade goods from an Emmaus group in India, offering unique and ethically sourced gifts.
Emmaus Hertfordshire’s business development manager, Gemma Beckett, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be opening a new shop on Catherine Street and to be able to share the news with our customers and supporters.
“Although we were sad to leave Lockey House after just nine months, we always knew it was a short-term arrangement. We’re really excited about this next chapter and look forward to welcoming everyone into our new premises.
“Our shops play a hugely important role in supporting our work with people who have experienced homelessness, so being able to maintain a presence in the heart of St Albans means a great deal to us. We’re looking forward to building on the fantastic support we’ve received from the local community.”
Proceeds from Emmaus Hertfordshire’s charity shops help fund life-changing support for people rebuilding their lives after homelessness. The charity provides a home and support for up to 39 people at a time, helping residents gain valuable skills, training and work experience to achieve their goals.
