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Jan 2021

Last Updated: 25/01/2021

Business

What next for Debenhams building in Harrogate?

by John Plummer

| 25 Jan, 2021

As Debenhams' long association with Harrogate draws to an end, we consider what might happen to the large premises in the centre of town.

Debenhams on Parliament Street pictured in April 2020.

For generations, the Debenhams building on Parliament Street has been one of the major retail landmarks in Harrogate.

It has also been one of the biggest stores, so news that is will not reopen has raised questions about the site's future.

With many High Street stores struggling even before the lockdown, it won't be easy finding a retailer for such a large unit.

Developers may scent an opportunity to apply for planning permission to convert some or all of the premises into flats, as has happened with the nearby former post office.

Stuart Holland, co-chair of Harrogate Civic Society, said the site had redevelopment potential but the sloping ground level made this challenging and demolition should be considered.

He hoped any new building would have shops on the ground floor to encourage footfall between Parliament Street and Oxford Street, adding:

"There is not a strong feeling, at this early stage of discussion, for retention of the building and a complete re-build may be welcome.

"A rebuild would give an opportunity to widen the footpath along the first section of Oxford Street and thus encourage the linking of retail areas – particularly as we see Oxford Street becoming home to new independent shops.

"There would also be an opportunity to improve the street scene along Union Street and to allow what is described as the rear entrance to Westminster Arcade to stand out more clearly than at present."

Staff let go as Harrogate Debenhams will not reopen

Harrogate shoppers say Debenhams will be much missed

Mr Holland said the upper floors were more suitable for residential use, adding:

"The size of the site lends itself to some creative design whilst ensuring that traffic pollution is not an issue. Car parking is available close by.

"There is a unanimous feeling that the new design should incorporate glazed canopies – taking reference from the many distinctive canopies in the town centre."

Tom Snook, managing director of Harrogate chartered surveyors Pantera Property, said the site should adapt to the "major shift" in retailing that is happening throughout the country. He added:

"The decline of bricks and mortar retail, which has been aggravated by the pandemic and the ensuing surge in online shopping, has meant that footfall is extremely low and it’s become difficult for retailers and restaurants to get a secure position in the market.

“The Debenhams building has always been something of a retail icon in Harrogate, which does also mean that it has great potential for change of use.

"I could certainly foresee it being redeveloped as residential apartments on the upper floors, perhaps with some form of boutique retail or serviced offices below.

“In the hands of an imaginative developer it would be great to see the building remain as an asset to Harrogate, albeit with a new identity.”

Look out for an article on the history of the Debenhams building in Harrogate by historian Malcolm Neesam this weekend on the Stray Ferret.

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What next for Debenhams building in Harrogate?

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