Old Debenhams store being eyed up before revamp

GROUND LEVEL UNITS ON ATTRACTING INTEREST

- WILLIAM TELFORD

PLYMOUTH’S former Debenhams store is attracting interest from potential occupants even though it might be two years before it is converted.

The huge city centre building is being eyed up as ground-level city centre retail rebounds – but there is far less hunger for empty first floor offices and shop space.

Joanne High, Plymouth-based head of commercial agency for Vickery Holman, told business professionals at an online market update that a planning application has been submitted to turn the upper floors of the ex-Debenhams into 160 flats. She said the building was proving attractive even though building work to convert it could take years.

She said Plymouth’s city centre was “too big” with too many units for what it needs. But, nevertheless, empty ground floor stores are filling up, though what will happen to the levels above remains in question.

Mrs High told the Market Update 2023 event: “There is an oversupply. Like a lot of city centres it is a bit too big.”