Here's how to have your say on the future of the former Debenhams store in Southsea
RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say on the future of a former Southsea department store less than two weeks after it shut its doors for the last time.
A public exhibition on potential uses for the Debenhams store in Palmerston Road will be held next week, with developers 'open' to a variety of options.
The National Regional Property Group, which is also working on plans to redevelop Fraser Range in Eastney, is looking to regenerate the shop with the help of public feedback.
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Shaun Adams, chief executive of the group, said: 'The redevelopment of the site is key to the revitalisation of the centre of Southsea and we are extremely passionate about making sure this site is developed in the best possible way.
'We’ve got some ideas for the site but are very keen to hear the views from local people and use them to shape the site’s future.'
He added: 'The site used to be home to the traditional department store Handleys, before it became Debenhams.
'In recognition of this important piece of Southsea’s history, we’re going to be calling the site Handleys’ Corner.'
A spokesman for the group also stated that a decision on whether to demolish the building or regenerate it had not been made.
The exhibition will be held on Friday, January 31 from 2.30pm until 7.30pm at St Jude's Church, in Kent Road. For more information about the exhibition and consultation process, email [email protected].
It comes after another department store, the iconic Knight & Lee which sits opposite to Debenhams, closed last year. Planning permission has already been granted to convert it into a hotel, cinema, offices and retail space.
Debenhams shut on January 19 this year.