“A place for independent shops and stalls” – Readers' discuss ideas for the empty Debenhams building in the city centre

These are a selection of their suggestions:

Grace Hallam said that they should turn the building into; “little independent shops/ stalls inside. Like they did in Hull.”

Jan Tippett thinks that the council should; “Make Debenhams into a Story land Discover centre like this charity in London with two floors for pre-school and juniors and teen fiction in 3rd floor so Sheffield becomes a destination for families” — like a big Grimms (in Rotherham) with more story themes for a wider audience.

Holly Alicia Dixon is rather sceptical about what will happen, saying; “Well, I know what will happen to it, the owners of the moor will knock it down and build something that looks like the new buildings. As they'll say that the Debenhams building looks out of place with the other buildings.” and the scepticism over the potential for the building continued with Beverley Marie Mortimer, who said; “Sheffield City Council are useless, they have killed off a once thriving City Centre. No parking, expensive parking, one way system, cars not allowed buses expensive and not regular enough, expensive rents and scruffy streets, empty shops, the list is endless. Go to Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool far superior and lots of shops.”

Les Betts is of the belief that things go much deeper; “We have got to drop this village mentality if we are to move forward and need a progressive council that is capable of doing it and which is not just focused on student accomodation and a planning dept that lets developers build boxes with windows.”

"We are really lacking student accommodation” says Adam Nicholson, and zero sarcasm was detected. And, Mark Hollis is definitely hoping for a retro return to Sheffield’s city centre heyday; “Lower ground and ground floor Redgates, first floor Sugg Sports & second floor Beatties.”

Trevor Waldron suggests something very different, like an “arts centre somewhere where the people of Sheffield can participate in activities and create work” — nice idea that. And, Emma Matthews says that it should become a “place for independent shops and stalls to exist with cheap rent”, something which resonated with many people who approved of the idea.

Daniel Cropper is thinking much more upscale, “Should become a Harvey Nichols. That would be great” — or perhaps a Selfridges? It would go perfect with the influx of London commuting workers who have recently begun buying up properties across the city. Andy Stella sees an opportunity for something else, such as a “World Market place food court. Each floor a different country food with decor and entertainment to match.” Wayne Tavit would like to see a “mall style development, with smaller retail units, see Trinity Leeds or Arndale Manchester.”

And finally, Rowan Colver suggested “something that makes money and benefits the community at the same time, people need another reason to go into town these days. public attractions and services then shops, culture, academia, government, sports, retail.”

If you’d like to know what everyone thought you can check the responses here on Facebook, and here on Twitter.