Debenhams store to be turned into flats and shops

Plans to turn a former Debenhams department store into housing have been approved.

The building in Hull city centre has been empty since May 2021, when Debenhams closed more than 100 stores around the UK with the loss of about 12,000 jobs.

DBG Group proposed creating 178 apartments at the 180,000 sq ft (16,700 sq m) site, between Prospect Street and Ferensway. A number of ground-floor retail units would be retained.

Hull City Council's planning committee approved the plans at a meeting on Wednesday.

Susan Chan, planning agent for the application, told councillors it was an opportunity to "regenerate the entire building", which was still "dominated by the old Debenhams corporate image".

Two applications were unanimously approved, despite members hearing concerns about parking provision.

One application related to the apartments, the other to physical changes to the building, including the installation of an atrium and the replacement of existing windows.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, work on the new development is due to begin early next year.

Previous developments by the company include the conversion of a former TSB Bank, in George Street, into 47 apartments.

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