Swindon Debenhams building could become 'urban' self-storage

The building has been empty since June 2020

The old Debenhams department store in Swindon could be converted into an "urban" self-storage business.

The building, which fronts onto Fleming Way and The Parade in the town centre, has been empty since June 2020.

Away Storage Ltd has been given permission by Swindon Borough Council to convert the building into a storage centre for people living nearby.

Consent was given on the condition four shop units will be completed before any storage units are put in use.

A spokesperson for the company said converting the building would do more for the town centre than leaving it empty, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'A necessary service'

"The building has been marketed continually since closure in 2020 for retail use and there has been no interest, therefore the building has become redundant and is at risk of further deterioration and obsolescence," they said.

They added the building was "within walking distance of its customers" and bringing it back into use would be "providing a necessary service to the public".

Council planning officers had raised concerns the proposal did "not take the opportunity to improve the way in which this key building functionally relates to Fleming Way".

But the plan was approved on condition the ground floor shop units would be made ready for tenants and marketed before any of the self-storage units were in use.