Thu, 15 May 2025

Thu, 15 May 2025 What has happened to the closed Debenhams stores?

From bowling alleys and lab spaces, to town centre eyesores - what remains of Debenhams' old shops?
Northampton:
* The former Debenhams store on Drapery has been demolished and replaced with student accommodation.
* The building on Abington Street, which was once a BHS and Marks & Spencer store, will be torn down later this year to create more flats. Ipswich:
* The former Debenhams store in the town centre remains empty, surrounded by metal fencing.
* The borough council has described the vacant Waterloo House building as a "blight" on the town centre. Bury St Edmunds:
* Primark moved into the former Debenhams building and opened its doors in March last year. Norwich:
* Graffiti-covered boards decorate the former Debenhams store, which has been empty since 2021.
* Developers have drawn up plans to knock down most of the building to create student accommodation, but Historic England has raised objections. King's Lynn:
* The town centre store remains vacant after closing during the first lockdown in 2020.
* Plans for flats and retail space were revealed in 2022, but work has yet to begin. Cambridge:
* A former Debenhams store at the Grafton Centre is being partly converted into office and lab space for life science industries.
* An archaeological dig uncovered an unopened Victorian soft drink at the site. Colchester:
* Plans to breathe new life into the former Debenhams building have stalled, with a developer pulling out of a vision for go-karting and mini golf.
* The derelict setting has become a big blow for the city centre, which is vying to justify its prestige as a city. Milton Keynes:
* The ground floor of the former Debenhams store has been converted into an entertainment venue called Lane 7, featuring a bowling alley and other attractions.
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