Come on! Let’s bring Debenhams to life!

IN Bournemouth, Debenhams stores is being reopened under its original name of Bobby’s, whose store operated from 1915 to 1972 when it was absorbed into Debenhams’ company.

A complete restoration of the frontage to the original Bobby’s exterior is being made, with several areas already open for business. This includes a dog café, food and beverage areas, and a large contemporary gallery.

Other areas are being worked on, breathing new life into the former store and the local town centre.

Why couldn’t we do this with the huge Debenhams store in Nottingham?

In Bournemouth the property company that owns the building researched Bobby’s and used its connection with the town to bring it back to life.

In Nottingham we could do the same with Pearson’s, the department store that closed in 1988. The original store burned down inside after closure, so now would be a good time, with the country coming out of the pandemic, to reopen it, bringing new life to the market square area, and restoring some of Nottingham’s heritage to the town centre.

A full restaurant service, sections of the store for both young and old. An up-to-date fashion area with a large sports section, encouraging people to play outdoor and indoor sports such as tennis – and look at the massive success we have just had there with the British player Emma Raducanu at the US Open this weekend. A great encouragement to youngsters everywhere!

So come on, all you property developers who are so keen on Nottingham. Not to mention the council. How about doing something useful for a change, other than constantly building cheap student lets that cause nothing but problems for the local neighbourhood?

Let’s get Debenhams reopened! Brian George

Nottingham