City's empty Debenhams could become trampoline park

The old Debenhams store on Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham

A city’s empty former department store could be turned into a trampoline park under new plans.

The unit in Wrexham has been empty for almost three years after Debenhams went into administration.

Documents submitted to the council show Eagles Meadow shopping centre’s owners have held talks with a firm interested in transforming the first floor of the building into a children’s trampoline park.

Owners Wrexham Shopping Mall Ltd said it hoped attracting more leisure businesses would revive its prospects and create jobs.

A new entrance would be created on the shopping centre’s balcony if the plans are approved

The closure of the Debenhams store in May 2021 was a major blow to Wrexham city centre.

It was followed in 2023 by the relocation of Marks & Spencer to to the Plas Coch retail park on the outskirts of the city.

As a result of this and the loss of other big retailers, footfall on the high street has declined by 40%, according to an application by agents acting on behalf of Wrexham Shopping Mall Ltd.

The proposals show the unit would be subdivided between the ground floor and first floor, with a new entrance created on the shopping centre’s balcony.

The agents said the leisure business would also have a food and drink outlet, covering the same floorspace as the old Debenhams cafe.

A decision will be made on the proposals by the local authority at a later date.