Crumbling Debenhams building set for bar and retail revival

One of Lord Street’s biggest empty buildings is set for a massive revamp.

The former Debenhams building on Lord Street closed a few months before the pandemic hit in 2020 after the company saw steady decline in profits.

Hundreds of staff were made redundant in the huge blow to the town centre, which was made worse at the time by the then collapse of the Beales department store nearby.

While Beales has since been revived thanks to local investment, the Debenhams building has been left to crumble.

Now following news of interest in the site back in 2021, signs have appeared in the windows of the building promising an exciting new development.

The building’s new owners say they will soon be able to offer a series of retail units for cafe, bar or retail use.

Plots are being offered from as little as 2,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft.