TK Maxx takes part of former Workington Debenhams 

The fashion and homeware retailer has signed a 15-year lease on 22,500 sq ft of the former department store. 

Located within Washington Square, the former Debenhams store in Workington has been vacant since the company’s collapse in 2021. 

Now, TX Maxx has agreed terms with Savills, joint fixed charge receiver at Washington Square, and asset manager Sovereign Centros, to take over a chunk of the building. 

Work to covert the unit is underway and the store is due to open this summer. The future of the remaining space within the building has not yet been determined. 

Kevin Mersh, Savills director and joint receiver, said: “Since being appointed, we have focussed on enhancing the customer experience.  

“As part of this, we are very pleased to welcome TK Maxx who will add both a new and complementary dynamic to the existing tenant lineup.” 

Washington Square opened in 2006 as the result of a £50m town centre regeneration project. The scheme was acquired by Europa Capital in 2020. 

Europa Capital then appointed Sovereign Centros as asset manager. Savills was appointed receiver towards the end of that year. 

Jack Gordon, senior asset manager at Sovereign Centros, said: “We have now brought in five new retailers and agreed 17 lease extensions at Washington Square since the pandemic.  

“For an international brand such as TK Maxx to commit to Workington is tremendous news for the region and will increase footfall in the town, as well as creating jobs.” 

Barker Proudlove is letting agent for Washington Square. Goadsby acted for TK Maxx. 

The Workington Debenhams is the second of the collapsed retailer’s Cumbria sites to have secured new occupiers in recent weeks. 

Earlier this month, BAE acquired 80,000 sq ft of retail assets, including the former department store, amid plans to refurbish the space and use it as a training centre for submarine engineers.    

Following the collapse of Debenhams, the future of the retailer’s extensive estate has been under the spotlight.  

While some of the department stores have been retained for retail, plans to covert some into other uses, including offices, are also in the works.  

Liverpool – M&S will take over half of the 200,000 sq ft vacant department store at Liverpool One, while entertainment operator Gravity will occupy the rest.  

Trafford Centre – M&S will relocate from its current 87,000 sq ft store into the 135,000 sq ft ex-Debenhams. 

Chester – Martin Property Group bought the Browns of Chester building last year following the acquisition of the 212,000 sq ft Grosvenor Shopping Centre. The company said it would “work closely with local stakeholders” to develop its plans.  

Manchester – AM Alpha is redeveloping the former Debenhams on Market Street into a near-300,000 sq ft office development  

Blackpool – Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group is to transform the ex-Debenhams into a Sports Direct and a Flannels.  

Stockport – The council owns the old Debenhams building and plans to convert it into film studio space.