The identity of the new occupier has not been revealed. Credit: planning documents

Debenhams re-use lined up in Workington

Vacant since May 2021, proposals have been lodged to revamp the store’s frontage for a new occupier.

Plans have been lodged with Allerdale Council by Maddox Planning, acting on behalf of the joint fixed receivers for the Washington Square Shopping Centre to carry out external works on the shopfront.

The store faces onto Risman Place and is three storeys tall. The £45m Washington Square retail complex was consented in 2003, replacing the St John’s Precinct.

According to documents filed by Maddox, “the proposal is a high-quality finish for a well-established shopping centre”. Local reports suggest that Primark or TK Maxx are strongly fancied to be the new occupant.

Scottish firm Comprehensive Design Architects has provided the drawings for the project.

Kevin Mersh and Matthew Nagle of Savills’ recoveries and receivership team appointed Maddox to secure planning consent for the proposals.

Following the retailer’s demise, developers and councils across the country are looking to adapt or offload Debenhams stores, one of the most high profile projects being Gravity Active Entertainment’s £10m redevelopment of the 100,000 sq ft Liverpool store.

Stockport wants to develop its Debenhams site into a hospital in the long term, but is seeking a shorter term use, while British Land is looking to sell the 153,000 sq ft Chester store for £4m.

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