Future of empty Debenhams store still uncertain
QUESTION marks remain over what will happen to the former Debenhams building in Long Row, a year after the department store chain went into liquidation.
Despite a campaign being launched to transform the 196,000squarefoot building earlier this month, no formal proposals have been made for the site, which was bought by Altum Capital in 2017.
The mystery of its future has both aroused optimism and compounded fears in Nottingham shoppers, who are split on what its future should be.
Nelson Blackley, an independent retail analyst, has also suggested numerous potential outcomes.
He told the Post: “At the time, the new landlords specifically mentioned the acquisition provided ‘potential alternative use value’.
“This clearly suggests that some form of mixed redevelopment is most likely – for example, luxury apartments, high-quality office space or student accommodation.”
He added: “However, it’s also possible that, given its prominent position, some space at street level may end up used for retail, or food and drink.”
One thing Mr Blackley is sure of, however, is that the building not be let entirely as a retail space and “certainly not to a single retail tenant, given its size and strange configuration, which reflects its expansion over almost two centuries”.
Jenny Flinton, a former worker at Griffin & Spalding, which occupied the building until the 1970s, suggested: “A cinema complex or something like the Cornerhouse would be nice so that people can get together and socialise because we’re losing every aspect of socialising.”
The 72-year-old Newark resident added: “Maybe some small artisan restaurants on the lower floor and then definitely something for socialising on the others.”
Tom Bush, a 92-year-old Carlton resident, said he would be “happy as long as it’s not student accommodation”.
“It wouldn’t make a bad convalescent home,” he said.
“People could come out of hospital, and they’ve got a good view of everywhere.
“It would be a nice thing for them.”
Pam, a 72-year-old from Nottingham, said she feared Nottingham was “becoming a dead city”.
She said: “There’s nothing to invite people to the city any more.
“Right in the square, in the centre of town, it should be thriving. Anything could go there – it’s a big enough and beautiful building.” Samantha Eves, 53, from The Meadows, added: “A Lego store would be nice. My son loves it so it would be nice to have somewhere to buy it from. We don’t need any more pubs or food places.”
Altum Capital were approached for comment.