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, with 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.
MandM Direct are said to be hoping to move into the building once British Land convert the upper floors of the building into offices, with the ground floor remaining as a retail floor, subject to planning permission being granted. The companies current offices in Leominster are no longer deemed ‘fit for purpose’ with MandM Direct looking at alternative locations for several months, including sites in areas such as Malvern. By moving to Old Market Hereford, it would help keep this successful company in Herefordshire for the foreseeable future.
A source told Your Herefordshire that the company could move as many as 250 employees to the new offices. This would provide a boost to surrounding shops and restaurants, with many of the staff likely to spend money in the city centre during lunch breaks and before and after they attend work.
If a change of use planning application is approved by Herefordshire Council, MandM Direct will be permitted use of a maximum of 119 spaces on a first come first served basis in the multi storey area of the car park. Staff vehicle registrations will be recorded with Centre Management in order that the season ticket scheme can be managed appropriately via the ANPR camera and supporting software. These spaces would only be reserved from Monday to Friday.
Current parking charges at Old Market Hereford for general members of the public:
Up to 1hour £1.60
1 – 2 hours £3.20
2 – 3 hours £4.80
3 – 4 hours £6.40
4 – 5 hours £8.00
5 – 6 hours £9.60
In excess of 6 hours £14.40
A number of companies have looked at the possibility of moving into the former Debenhams unit, including discount supermarket chain Lidl, but they have since set their eyes on the Three Counties Hotel site on Belmont Road.
