Retail giant’s multi-million revamp to create 50 jobs

Bucking recent high street gloom, Debenhams has included Hull’s Prospect Street outlet in a list of 20 stores which will be given makeovers next year. Chief executive Michael Sharp said a “mix of refurbishment, new brands and the addition of extra top designer and beauty brands” would deliver deliver “what effectively looks like a new store”.

Consumers can expect to see brands like Miss Selfridge, Kurt Geiger, Dune, coming into stores.

A survey earlier this year suggested nearly a quarter of shops in the city centre were standing empty, but property agents say the picture is not as bleak as depicted.

Chris Mason, commercial property surveyor for Scotts Property LLP, said in King Edward Street alone, four properties had been taken. He said: “Two are in solicitors’ hands and the other two are done deals; I think there’s no getting away from the fact it is a difficult market. “I think everybody is aware it’s tough out there but there are opportunities and deals to be done (although) I am not saying we are able to achieve the values or terms that we might have expected several years ago.”

He added: “If they (Debenhams) are looking at the opportunities and committ fairly significant investment in stores it can only be an endorsement that the location and Hull is somewhere that’s got a long term fuutre. Debenhams sits opposite St Stephens and adjacent to the Prospect Centre and is an integral part of the city centre retail offer.”

The store opened as a Debenham’s nearly 50 years ago.