Browns Building

4. The closure of Debenhams has created a number of knock-on impacts associated with the high-street, however this should not be seen in overly negative terms. This is the start of a new chapter rather than the end of the story. Recent announcements in respect of the Bobby’s Building in Bournemouth provide evidence that premises such as this can be fully reappropriated.

Re-occupying / re-purposing the building quickly should be a priority. The negative impact that this vacant space will have upon retailer confidence within the City could be significant.

Discussions with potential retailer occupiers are ongoing and should be fully explored as a “path of least resistance” to bringing the building back into use (either in part or in full). Council discussions with British Land should be concluded in this regard and every effort should be made to attract a retailer occupier back into unit.

In the event that this cannot be achieved, other options are available. The premises can be split “front to back” from Eastgate Street and could house a range of uses that do not require large levels of natural light (given the floorplate depths). Notionally, a scheme comprising: health & beauty concessions, an arts / creative / exhibition space, café, bar & restaurants, gym or health and wellbeing offer would work well within the space (from an operational perspective) and would augment the City’s existing offer. Discussions with the building owner should be undertaken to explore the feasibility of this in further detail.

The benefits that an established health and beauty offer bring to the city are significant. This offer (previously housed at Debenhams) has historically driven significant footfall within the City and has been associated with high levels of sales activity. The Council / CGP should seek to engage with beauty concessionary occupiers to understand how and where this offer might be re-provided.