Skip to content

Department store to be demolished as £2.8m fee delayed

Infinite 3D Ltd A computer generated image of the new development as seen from Hogland's Park. A tall semi-circular building is on the right of the image, towering above the tree line.Infinite 3D Ltd
An artist's impression of the site as seen from Hogland's Park

Demolition of a major department store is due to begin - even though the developer has yet to pay towards infrastructure improvements.

The former Debenhams site in Queensway, Southampton, will make way for a 607-home scheme.

National Regional Property Group secured planning approval for the redevelopment from Southampton City Council two years ago.

Council officers this month allowed the developer to delay paying a contribution of almost £3m to help fund infrastructure, facilities and services, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Google The facade of the Debenhams store in Southampton, as seen from the roundabout on Queensway. To the left there is a tree in Hoglands park.Google
The site has stood empty since 2020 when the retailer stopped trading

The demolition work was meant to trigger community infrastructure levy (CIL) payments of around £2.77m.

In November, the developer applied to separate the demolition work the rest of the project, meaning the CIL would not be required to be paid until later.

In a statement to the LDRS, cabinet member for economic development Cllr Sarah Bogle said: "The levy will become due after the demolition phase, which is currently scheduled to start in early January 2025, when construction of the development technically commences."

Infinite 3D Ltd A computer generated image of the new development as seen from Houndwell Place. There is a blue sky, lots of pedestrians and a beige coloured, block of flats which follows the curve of the road.Infinite 3D Ltd
An artist's impression of the site as seen from Houndwell Place

The Debenhams site at Queens Buildings has been vacant since the national retailer ceased trading in 2020.

The build-to-rent scheme features 598 apartments in a mix of one, two and three-bed homes, nine townhouses and a 108-space car park.

Around 1,000 people will be housed across a 17-storey and two seven-storey blocks.

National Regional Property Group has been approached for comment.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

More on this story
Related internet links