The University of Gloucestershire has announced the former Debenhams department store in Gloucester’s city centre is to become part of its campus.
The 1930s art deco building in King’s Square was , with the 242-year-old brand being bought by online fashion retailer Boohoo in a £55million deal in January.
It’s 20,000 metres of floor space across five storeys will now be refurbished by the university into a learning space for its staff and students.
The university said it was hopeful phase one of the development will be completed as early as September 2023, subject to statutory approvals, and is anticipating sharing its plans with the community as they evolve.
Part of the ground floor space of the former high street anchor store, which began trading in the early 1970’s, could be set aside for dual-use facilities for the community and the University. Potential services including enterprise, learning, well-being and culture.
Stephen Marston, vice-chancellor at the University of Gloucestershire, said: “The Debenhams building has a special place in the hearts of local people, and we’re delighted that our plans will help breathe new life and purpose into a place that is central to the city’s heritage. We have ambitious plans for growth in our student numbers and the range of higher education courses we offer.
"The restoration of this iconic building will enable us to create the additional space we need for additional students and staff in a location with excellent transport links, new student accommodation, and local services in a phased way, while boosting the city centre economy.
“We want to explore a range of potential partnerships for accommodating services of value to the public, taking advantage of this prime city centre location to offer local people access to services they value. This is all part of the wider ambition, working with partners to bring new life and vibrancy to the high street.”
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Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, reacting to the news, said: “This great good news will result in large numbers of University of Gloucestershire students getting vital skills in public sector courses like nursing and allied health courses in our city centre.
"I hope agreements will also soon be reached on partnerships, for example in learning and wellbeing on the ground and basement floors, open to all.
“When all is finalised, and after a much-needed facelift, this will be an imaginative use of a grand old building. Our city can be confident of both the future for this iconic building and the buzz in our city centre.”
Gloucester City Council leader CllrRichard Cook said the proposal “fits perfectly” with the council’s wilder regeneration plans for King's Square.
“This is fantastic news which not only guarantees the future of this much-loved building but also sees it become a hive of activity and learning," he said.
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“These plans fit perfectly with our multi-million pound regeneration of the King's Square as an events space and The Forum which will attract specialised digital and technology companies creating a thousand new jobs.
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“Combined with the transport hub and the refurbishment of the train station that is set to begin this year, our long-standing vision to regenerate and revitalise this part of the city is well on the way to becoming a reality.”
The King's Square regeneration project is being carried out by contractors Reef Estates, who also welcomed the announcement. Reef's development director Peter Langley-Smith said: "Reef Group are delighted that The University of Gloucestershire have committed to redevelop the former Debenhams building.
“This sits at the heart of the city, alongside Kings Square, Kings Walk and The Forum, all of which are being actively invested in by Reef Group and Gloucester City Council to help revive the city centre.
"The vibrant mix of uses being proposed will create exciting opportunities for everyone, and demonstrates the value of all parties working collaboratively to bring about change.”