Business leaders welcome take over of former Debenhams store by Frasers including new Sports Direct and Flannels

Blackpool Council confirmed on Thursday Frasers Group will be taking over the store in the Houndshill Centre after months of negotiation.

The council has also bought the building occupied by Marks & Spencer between Church Street and Victoria Street, describing this as a “strategic acquisition” given the prime location of the building and its importance in the ongoing revitalisation of the town centre, with M&S continuing to trade from the store.

Sue Grindrod, managing director of Blackpool BID (business improvement district) said: “The town centre has generally had a really good year and we had a very strong half term in October.

“The Fraser’s announcement is a huge boost to the high street and for town centre businesses.

“It’s about boosting resilience and confidence and shows Blackpool is on the up.”

Michael Williams, managing director of the Winter Gardens, said: “The addition of the Frasers brands into the vacant Debenhams store is a great boost for shoppers in Blackpool.

“The launch of the Conference and Exhibition Centre here at the Winter Gardens earlier this year is already starting to attract international visitors and the new store will be a welcome attraction for those delegates when they are in resort.

“The new extension to the Houndshill is really taking shape now and this also demonstrates the confidence that investors now have in Blackpool town centre.”

Claire Smith, president of hoteliers group StayBlackpool, said: “It is very welcome news Frasers is taking over the former Debenhams store as we need to keep giving visitors reasons to come here and people do enjoy shopping while on holiday.

“I’m pleased it is a mid-price brand and we are also getting another new shop with Flannells. I didn’t want more low end as we need to offer a balance.

“It was demoralising for the high street having such a large sized empty unit in the Houndshill, so it’s great to see this investment.”

Businessman Robert Wynne, who owns town centre venues including the Brew Room, the Rose and Crown and the West Coast Rock Cafe, said: “​This is a good move and I am sure it will be welcomed by businesses in the town centre.

“There are already lots of good reasons to come into Blackpool and this will certainly add to them.”

Frasers Group is set to refurbish the space over the coming months before opening its department store in the former Debenhams which has been empty since May 2021 when all three trading floors closed down.

In addition there will be a new Sports Direct Store and a branch of luxury retailer Flannels coming to Blackpool as part of the deal.

Construction of a second phase of the Houndshill Centre, which the council owns, is well underway with attractions including an IMAX and multi-screen cinema, restaurant and new Wilko store due to open next year.