Nottingham retro: 18 things that Nottingham’s former Debenhams should be turned into - according to locals

Nottingham's former Debenhams building has been empty since May 2021Nottingham's former Debenhams building has been empty since May 2021
Nottingham's former Debenhams building has been empty since May 2021 | mattbuck
It has been empty since May 2021

Next May will mark four years since Nottingham’s former Debenhams building last welcomed customers. 

The huge store, in Long Row, closed in May 2021 after the clothing chain went into administration - and has been empty ever since. 

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Despite being given Grade II listed status the following year, the building remains unused, much to the frustration of locals. 

The building is now succumbing to nearly four years of neglect, with much of the façade appearing weather-beaten. 

A planning application to transform the building, which served as Nottingham’s Debenhams between 1973 and 2021, has still not been submitted. 

The vacant building has been a source of frustration to localsThe vacant building has been a source of frustration to locals
The vacant building has been a source of frustration to locals | Stephen McKay

With this in mind, we asked NottinghamWorld readers what they would like to see the former Debenhams building turned into. 

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Our request for suggestions resulted in nearly 200 responses, which goes some way to convey the strength of local opinion on the subject. 

Here are 18 of the most popular suggestions.

18 things Nottingham’s Debenhams building should become

1. “I’d like to see it turned into studio apartments purely focused on helping the homeless get off the streets. With medical and health facilities included.” - Malcolm

2. “A new Debenhams store.” - David 3. “An education centre where there is support provided for school kids to help with homework or other activities. Including mental health support services.” - Sahira 4. “Indoor market with a nice hotel with bar and restaurant on the ground floor.” - Clare

5. “A space for independent crafters to trade in the city on a regular basis.” - Sarah

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6. “A huge toy shop that sells everything and has life-size working models and train sets etc.” - Ellen

7. “A large food and drink court with street vendors and bars on all floors.” - The Great British Pub Crawl

8. “Flats at affordable rents on the upper floors, with the ground floor dedicated to pop-up shops to help new businesses launch themselves.” - Helen 9. “Humongous toy shopping area or a children's play centre with a spiral slide that goes from the top floor all the way down to the last floor.” - Gazza

10. “Merlin attractions. Aquarium, dungeons, Lego place.” - Andrew

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11. “Community hub, artist studios to rent, workshop spaced for creatives, large co- operatively run café, live music space and rehearsal spaces.” - Edward

12. “Move the Victoria Market in there.” - Kate

13. “Somewhere safe for teenagers to hang out.” - Sarah

14. “They should make it into a huge arcade like they did in the old Debenhams in Wandsworth shopping centre. It's called Gravity. It's awesome.” - Sarah

15. “Swanky hotel with penthouse bar.” - Steve

16. “Bring back decent shops so grown ups have a reason to visit town. Good restaurants and bars are closing down because of this.” - Paul

17. “Something like Afflecks Palace in Manchester would be great.” - Jane

18. “An art gallery.” - Fiona

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