BID brightens up empty Debenhams
THE vacant former Debenhams store in Nottingham city centre is set to be “transformed”.
The empty shop windows of the store on Long Row will become the subject of a new campaign by the Nottingham BID (Business Improvement District).
A new vinyl window design will be installed to cover all 33 of the empty windows which run along Long Row and Market Street.
The closure of Debenhams in May created a large void in the city centre – and it is still not known what will fill the unit.
Workers were seen earlier this month placing snowflake decorations and the branding of Visit Nottinghamshire, the county’s official tourism body, and Nottingham BID.
Funding the scheme, Nottingham BID has worked closely with
Nottingham City Council and the owner of the building to gain permission for the project which is being delivered as part of the BID’S commitment to creating a “clean, safe and attractive city centre environment”.
The project also aims to improve the look of the vacant unit to create a positive impact for the surrounding business area.
Alex Flint, chief operating officer at Nottingham BID, said: “This project is important to Nottingham BID and to our levy payers who have expressed concerns about the presentation of some empty units.
“Whilst Nottingham is bucking the national trend with increasing annual footfall figures, I am pleased that Nottingham BID can provide a creative solution to smarten up the city.”
The 240-year-old high street retailer entered administration in April 2019 and met its eventual demise in December last year when it entered liquidation.
All attempts to find a buyer failed, but its assets and brand were saved by the Boohoo Group for £55 million.
This meant, however, all its high street outlets, including the Long Row shop, were forced to close as the business moved online.