Debenhams Sheffield: 10 suggestions for what empty department store could be turned into
Nearly five years since its closure, the future of the old Debenhams store in Sheffield is still uncertain. We asked Star readers what they would do with the unused building.
The building on The Moor has been empty since 2001 when the retail chain Debenhams went bust.
NewRiver, the owner of The Moor, acquired the former department store in December 2024.
The company snapped it up ahead of an auction where it had a reserve of just £1.
Last year it said it was continuing to “explore potential routes” for the former department store.
On The Star’s Facebook page hundreds of Star readers have had their say on what the empty building could be turned into.
These are 10 of the most popular suggestions.
Vickie Burrows said: “Back to Debenhams. Miss this store and Cole Brothers. Sheffield not the same”
Dan Gill: “Bowling, arcade, soft play, mini golf. Something that’ll attract families.”
Zulfi Khan: “A plaza of independent stalls like the markets but selling other stuff – could be clothes wall art etc. Give the little guys a chance and all under one roof. A posh car boot sale type thing.”
Steven Ryder: “Somewhere for the homeless to sleep.”
Sue Kelly: “An NHS hub like the one in Barnsley Glassworks for investigations and scans etc.”
Lea Robinson: “Skate Park, skate shop, Climbing centre.”
Darien Dazza Stelling: “Multi store business just like the err…is it Atkinsons? Least it be nice to see variety of maybe big brands but smaller stores inside. Mini Meadowhall I guess lol.”
Diane Freeman: “I would love a John Lewis again, but Sheffield simply cannot support a big store. We are a low spend city. So, I would knock it down and build some affordable housing on half of the space, and landscape the rest with greenery.”
Chloe Thomas: “A space for independent music venues because they need support or a marketplace for small businesses. “
John Hanock: “The new crucible, keep world snooker in Sheffield.”