Plans to turn former Debenhams into 178 apartments

The Debenhams store in Ferensway, Hull, pictured in 2021, shortly after closing

A property developer has submitted plans to transform Hull's former Debenhams building into apartments.

DBG Group has proposed creating 178 apartments at the 180,000 sq ft (16,700 sq m) site, between Prospect Street and Ferensway, with the majority being one-bedroom apartments across all five storeys of the building.

A number of retail units are also planned for the ground floor.

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

The company's previous developments in Hull include the conversion of a former TSB bank in George Street into 47 apartments and Shirethorn House, in Prospect Street, into a 76-apartment development called City Point.

The latest proposals have attracted a letter of objection from the Kingston Square Association - a local residents' group connected to Kingston Square, which is a historic area in the city centre.

"Although the Debenhams store is not in Kingston Square, it is a short distance from it and many of us are concerned about a number of aspects of the plans and the impact this development could have on the Georgian New Town Conservation Area," the letter read.

It goes on to suggest a study should be undertaken to establish the need for "high density residential accommodation", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The plans will be decided by Hull City Council at a later date.

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