New owners of Debenhams on The Moor in Sheffield issue statement on future of the building

The new owners of Debenhams in Sheffield city centre have said they would consider hosting a £100m ‘home of football’ if plans to use the John Lewis building fall through.
By David Walsh
Published 29th Nov 2021, 17:10 BST
Updated 1st Dec 2021, 14:53 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Property company MHA has put the department store up for rent and is considering all of its options.

WHAT DOES PROPERTY COMPANY MHA WANT TO DO WITH THE BUILDING?

A spokesman said they would consider any appropriate tenant including a proposal by a global sports brand to open a huge football activity and cultural centre in the former John Lewis store on Barker’s Pool.

The Star revealed a global sporting brand wants to spend £100m converting the former John Lewis store into a visitor attraction to include a football museum, health and wellbeing experiences, bars and restaurants and pitches on the roof.The Star revealed a global sporting brand wants to spend £100m converting the former John Lewis store into a visitor attraction to include a football museum, health and wellbeing experiences, bars and restaurants and pitches on the roof.
The Star revealed a global sporting brand wants to spend £100m converting the former John Lewis store into a visitor attraction to include a football museum, health and wellbeing experiences, bars and restaurants and pitches on the roof.
Read More
Seven day bus strike by Stagecoach is on confirms union
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The spokesman said: “That is an interesting idea, which we would consider if viable.”

Debenhams closed the store on May 15. It was among 118 shut down by administrators with the loss of 12,000 jobs. Online retailer Boohoo bought the brand for £55m.

TRANSPORT NEWS: Public transport to get worse before it gets better

Debenhams closed on May 15. It was among 118 shut down by administrators with the loss of 12,000 jobs.Debenhams closed on May 15. It was among 118 shut down by administrators with the loss of 12,000 jobs.
Debenhams closed on May 15. It was among 118 shut down by administrators with the loss of 12,000 jobs.

London firm MHA snapped up the five-storey building on The Moor for £1.5m after its value plunged from £2.7m – a saving of £1.2m.

TRANSPORT NEWS: All day bus lanes plan could ban parking on two major Sheffield roads

An advert states the four-storey, 213,900 sq ft building is available ‘as a whole or on a split basis’.

BUSINESS NEWS: ZOO Digital moves headquarters in boost for tech hub

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Earlier this month, The Star revealed a global sporting brand wants to spend £100m converting the former John Lewis store into a visitor attraction to include a football museum, health and wellbeing experiences, bars and restaurants and pitches on the roof.

BUSINESS NEWS: Sheffield exporter opens £500,000 Dutch base to beat Brexit

Council leader Terry Fox said the authority would seriously consider the idea but there would be no 'knee jerk reactions' and no decision until the new year.

The iconic store closed for good in June after the firm made a £500m loss. The building is owned by Sheffield City Council.

The proposal could also see the John Lewis car park replaced by a residential tower.

To continue holding the powerful to account and giving people a voice, The Star needs you to subscribe, please.

Related topics:John LewisDebenhamsSheffieldBoohooTerry Fox

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.