Newport shoppers suggest stores to replace Debenhams unit
The Debenhams unit, which became been after the national department store chain's collapse four years ago, was used as a vaccination centre during Covid.
In April, the unit showed no signs of life, but last month, it was announced the Home Store would be taking over the space in Friars Walk, Newport.
A spokesperson for Friars Walk said: "Home Store opened its doors in May as a temporary let whilst we continue to look for a more permanent tenant to fill the space; in the meantime, the doors are open, the lights are on, and it's an additional offer for customers in the city."
Despite this, some shoppers say they are left unsatisfied and have shared their thoughts on what they would like to see as a more permanent replacement.
Amy-Lee Jackson expressed her desire for an IKEA to take over the space, while John Phillips said: "Marks and Spencer's would be good! Better than the one in Spytty."
Xannia Jade Williams said: "TK Maxx, huge Primark? Could even have a few little shops in there."
Carol da Rosa suggested a ground floor general market like before, with individual shops upstairs.
Marie Mar Mite Harris also suggested a Primark, TK Maxx, or a proper market downstairs with shops upstairs.
Others suggested using the space for entertainment or leisure.
Yana Blake-Walker said: "Please open a roller rink."
Rebecca Lucy Smith was in favour of an ice skating rink.
Jon Thomson Pierce would like to see an H&M, while Tina Champion said: "IKEA."
Ben Chick suggested a big M&S, with a food hall on the bottom floor next to the bus station.
Margaret Richards said: "Some nice clothes shops would be nice, but not Primark."
Clare Gray said Dunelm, The Range, or Matalan would be perfect in that unit, as there's already cafe space and toilets in there.
Christopher Thomas suggested a budget-friendly store like Home Bargains, B&M, or Primark would work well.
Rachel Sutton was in favour of a "little IKEA" as she said it would be within most people's budget for kitchen and bathroom essentials.
She said: "The problem is they bring the expensive shops that don't last due to the demographic area, and then we have loads of empty shops.
"Look at the high street and see what shops have lasted such as Primark."
Matthew Moyle suggested a John Lewis, and Geraint Leach said they should "multi-use the building".
He said: "It's a shame you couldn't multi-use the building's top floor to be an indoor market, middle floor be something like Costco.
"I would say as it's such a big space that they would be better off trying to sell it to business as two units."
The city council does not control who lets spaces in commercial units but it has made helping the owners to find tenants for big sites including Debenhams and Cineworld in Friars Walk a priority in its draft placemaking plan.
These suggestions from readers on the Argus Facebook page reflect a desire for a more permanent occupier that will bring people into the city centre.
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