Could restaurants and housing replace Torquay's Debenhams?
Greatest Hits Radio understands ambitious plans for the future of the Torquay Debenhams site are now being investigated.
Last updated 3rd Dec 2020
In May this year Torbay Council bought the building in the Strand for an undisclosed amount.
Earlier this week the retailer's bosses formally told the council - or landlord in this instance - that they plan to leave by April 2021 after the company announced it would eventually be closing.
Various options for the site are now being looked at, with one to potentially have businesses - maybe restaurants - on the ground floor and then apartments above it.
Ideas for the Debenhams site could form part of the current £21 million Town Deal funding for Torquay. with the council wanting to have more people living in the town centre to help boost footfall - as part of ongoing regeneration efforts.
Steve Darling, leader of Torbay Council, said: "First of all, our thoughts are with all the Debenhams staff who face uncertainty at an already difficult time – it has been a very challenging year for the retail sector due to Covid and this is another blow.
"There is positive news as well though following the recent announcement that we are getting £21.9m investment from the Towns Fund."
Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "The benefit of us purchasing the Debenhams site means that we will have more control over its future use to ensure maximum benefit to local residents and visitors, and we have already, with Torbay Development Agency, been working hard to identify alternative options for the site- it is included within the Town Deal proposals."
Councillor Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing, said: “The council through TDA is currently developing detailed plans so that we can prevent the site being a blight and to bring it back into use as quickly as possible if and when the store has closed.
“Our decision to make the purchase earlier this year ensures that the site will meet the objectives of the Town Centre Strategy in supporting regeneration and improving the economy. We want to ensure that the site will not remain empty and that we have a vibrant Strand for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“We hope to be able to provide a more detailed update on plans for the site soon.”