Nottingham City Council could consider buying the former Debenhams building if its owners fail to bring forward firm plans for the prominent city centre site.
The Grade II listed building, on the corner of Old Market Square and Market Street, has stood empty since Debenhams closed its stores in 2021 after the retailer entered liquidation.
Several ideas have been suggested since then, including a food hall, hotel, offices and student accommodation, but no formal redevelopment plans have been submitted.
Frustration has grown over the condition of the building, particularly following recent break-ins and vandalism.
Council leader Cllr Neghat Khan said the authority was putting pressure on those responsible for the site and could consider stronger action if progress is not made.
Speaking at the launch of the council’s 2050 Vision on Friday, June 5, Cllr Khan was told by an audience member that the derelict building was putting people off visiting the city centre.
She said: “There’s discussions happening with Debenhams at the moment about, well if you’re not going to develop it, there’s a history of people just holding onto sites. And we’re saying, if you’re not going to develop it, give it over to somebody else.
“You might have paid over the odds to purchase it but it’s not acceptable. We are putting pressure on Debenhams, but sometimes we can’t always come out and criticise. We’re trying to work on that relationship, because if you can do it with words then you don’t need to use compulsory purchase and stuff.
“But if they don’t do something then we have to look at that. But we’re trying to be friendly first.”
The future of the building has remained uncertain since Debenhams left the site.
Its owners, Long Row Properties, and building managers Longmead Capital, have said little publicly about long-term plans.
In May 2023, a local architect published an unofficial vision for the building, suggesting it could be converted into a hotel, food hall and office space. However, the concept did not progress into a formal planning application.
In late 2024, the owners suggested a 500-room student accommodation scheme could be considered and said a public consultation would follow, but this did not take place.
That idea was later dropped in May this year after it was deemed no longer viable, with reduced student demand cited as one factor.
The building has since remained without a clear future. In recent months police have used legal powers to stop children and urban explorers from entering the site, while Nottingham Civic Society has warned it could take several more years before the issue is resolved.
- Police warning after four victims lose £10,000 in Nottinghamshire cash machine thefts
- Children’s Commissioner visits Nottingham to hear views on social media ban
