Cinema plans for former Debenhams

Four screens and a bar

Plans have been unveiled to convert Exeter’s closed Debenhams store into a new cinema.

An organisation called Montagu Evans, on behalf of Purple Investment Management, has submitted a scheme for the former department store in Princesshay.

The four-screen cinema would be situated on the third floor, with tenants on the ground, first and second floors.

A large foyer on the top floor area will include a seating area and bar, with views to the cathedral.

A statement with the application, submitted to Exeter City Council, says: “The aim of the proposals is to support the long term viability of this block and the wider area, through the introduction of a leisure use. This would provide a focus for activity during the day and into the evening, complementing the existing retail offer in the vicinity and vibrancy of the square.

“The proposed development will comprise the use of part of the ground and third floors of the existing building as a boutique cinema. For reasons of commercial confidentiality, the proposed operator cannot be named at this stage. With Debenhams announcing their closure in 2021, the applicant is seeking a new tenant for the unit, and to date, interest in the building is mainly from operators looking to trade from the ground to second floors of the existing store.

“The proposed cinema will include four screens. Additionally, a large foyer area will be provided, including a seating area and a bar, which will offer a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, together with a select menu of hot and cold food to be served from the kitchen to the rear of the bar. Cinema tickets will also be sold from the foyer area."

It adds: “The upper floor of the former Debenhams store was considered the only suitable location [in the building for the cinema] as it is in a prominent location and the entrance can be located in an area with high footfall, it could provide additional activity to Princesshay Square and the surrounding streets, and the proposals would enable visitors to experience views of the cathedral and create a ‘unique selling point’.

“The proposed cinema constitutes a ‘main town centre use’, and the provision of a cinema at third floor level will provide a focus for activity during the day and into the evening, complementing the existing retail and leisure offer, thereby enhancing the vitality and viability of the city centre.”

The proposals involve increasing the roof height at the rear of the building between 2.5 and 3.5 metres, visible from certain viewpoints including from Cathedral Green, but adds: “However, in our opinion, these views will be limited in number and the extent of what might be seen is minimal.”

Exeter City Council planners will determine the fate of the application, which is for the change of the use of part of the ground floor and the third floor of existing building from retail to cinema with and ancillary bar / restaurant facilities and the creation of a roof extension.

In January 2021 it was announced that the Debenhams store would not be reopening. While the Boohoo Group plc had signed an agreement to buy the Debenhams brand and website, they will not be operating physical stores.