Plans have been submitted to convert Harrogate’s former Debenhams department store on Parliament Street into 34 apartments and commercial units.
Plans submitted to convert Harrogate's former Debenhams into apartments Plans have been submitted to convert Harrogate’s former Debenhams department store on Parliament Street into 34 apartments and commercial units. Wetherby-based developer Stirling Prescient says it will “retain, restore and sympathetically convert” the current buildings without the need for demolition, as was previously hoped. The application comes two years after the developer withdrew a bid to demolish the former store to build a modern apartment block. The previous application received opposition from Historic England, Harrogate Civic Society and Harrogate Borough Council’s conservation officer with the latter saying that demolition would harm the town’s appearance. The site had been a retail staple on Parliament Street for over a century and housed the Buckley’s and Busby’s stores before becoming Debenhams in the 1960s. After entering administration, Debenhams left Harrogate in January 2021 and the buildings have remained empty since. In 2022, a report from the national charity SAVE Britain’s Heritage named the site as one of 18 former ‘cathedrals of commerce’ that should be spared from demolition and repurposed. NW-Architects has produced designs for the developer that show commercial units for retail or hospitality will be created on the ground floors with the upper floors converted into housing with a rooftop extension. An internal courtyard would be created as well as a car park in the basement for residents. Under the plans, a 1960s-era extension will be reclad with Portland stone to create a “high-quality, contemporary building” that works with its surroundings on Parliament Street. A planning statement submitted on behalf of the developer argues the site no longer has a future as retail due to changing shopping habits. It says:
“Retail patterns have been changing for some time as a result of the growth of online shopping and the pandemic exacerbated this trend. "Increased home working has also impacted town centres because employers have either closed their offices or adopted more flexible working paterns, resulting in reduced footfall. “The investment in the redevelopment of the site is being undertaken in challenging economic circumstances and so demonstrates the applicant’s confidence in Harrogate’s future.”North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plans at a later date. By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Nearly two million visits made to North Yorkshire libraries in a year
Triple Tripadvisor success for local hospitality operator
Man arrested after stabbing threat at Harrogate Morrisons
Pavements near Royal Pump Room given a deep clean
Harrogate pub manager to take on Everest trek for hospitality charity
Harewood House unveils new Elf Village for Christmas
Harrogate cyclists conquer Pyrenees challenge in twin town
William and Victoria appeals for help after chairs taken from restaurant
Former Leeds United star Ross McCormack joins Knaresborough Town
Council rejects rumours that housing for the homeless would accommodate asylum seekers
Ripon gritter manufacturer invests £1.1m in new laser cutter
Northern expands mobility scooter access across its train fleet
Plans unveiled for up to 53 homes at Hornbeam Park
Grantley Hall boss named General Manager of the Year
Harrogate buses join fight against town centre crime
Harrogate actor wins festival award after brain surgery
Knaresborough pub goes up for sale - but cannot reopen
Children's boutique and art gallery opens in Knaresborough
Police issue update on body found in Ripon Canal
Retiring North Yorkshire Council chief executive gets pay package of almost £245,000
