Hereford’s empty Debenhams store at Old Market Hereford could be set to have a new tenant soon, with Your Herefordshire understanding that negotiations are at an ‘advanced’ stage, subject to official planning permission being submitted.

Your Herefordshire understands that the new tenant (subject to formalities being signed) wishes to split the current unit into a mixture of retail (ground floor) and office space (first floor).

The 83,000 sq ft unit at the Old Market in Hereford has been empty since Debenhams collapsed into administration last year and combined with the closure of Outfit, the Old Market has lost two of its largest retailers.

There have been a number of rumours about who could be set to take over Debenhams, with many suggestions last year that a number of local businesses have shown interest in moving into the unit, as well as some national retailers. The Old Market opened in 2014 and was the first major retail development in the city of Hereford for more than 25 years.

Your Herefordshire understands that the new tenant has a local connection, but this is yet to be confirmed. The unit appears as ‘under offer’ on retail site Completely Retail.