Pictures show work is underway at the former Debenhams store in Broadmead after a new company has taken over the site. Construction workers have begun stripping the site to make way for a new development in the Bristol Shopping Quarter.
The former department store on the Horsefair and St James Barton closed down in May last year, going up for sale just days after its permanent closure. It was one of 49 branches across the UK to close after the long-running retailer chain fell into administration.
A document from Bristol City Council seen by BristolLive names a London company, 33 Horsefair Ltd, as primarily liable for business rates of the building. Companies House named Louise Staniforth and Nicholas Winsley as directors since the firm was established in November last year, with AEWUK owning at least 75 per cent or more of the company's shares.
Read more: Former Bristol Debenhams update as mayor says conversations are 'ongoing'
AEWUK, one of the world’s largest real estate asset managers, lists eleven Bristol properties in its portfolio. This includes a number of other sites in Broadmead, Union Street and Queens Square along with Hengrove Leisure Park and Whitehall Trading Estate. AEKUK declined to comment when approached by BristolLive.
It has not yet been confirmed exactly what the site will be used for, but Bristol mayor Marvis Rees said earlier in May that it would be a "mix of destinations". BristolLive has also contacted Bristol City Council and Broadmead BID for comment who are unable to share any more details at this stage.
In May, Mr Rees said the council had "been very clear" that the new development had to fit in with their existing plans for the city. "There’s going to be residential in there as well as some retail - but we have too much retail space in the city anyway," he added.
The former Debenhams site is a part of the council's blueprint to shape the future of development in part of Bristol city centre, affecting landmarks including the Galleries and the Bearpit.
Information on the council's website states: "[The plan] looks ahead to 2050. It will consider what needs to happen to ensure Bristol’s city centre is fit for the future and will set out a set by step guide to help us get there. It will involve thinking big about the potential long-term changes to buildings, spaces and streets and the way these are used in order to support a thriving city centre in the context of the current climate and ecological emergency, economic and social pressures."
It has also been a year since Marks and Spencer announced it would be closing its flagship Bristol store. The Broadmead branch closed on January 8 this year after 70 years, a decision driven largely by changing consumer habits in the retail industry, which has seen a major shift towards online shopping in recent years.
In September, Lidl opened its doors at a prime site in Broadmead after two years of work. The new, modern store has created around 30 new jobs for the local community and includes an in-store bakery as well as self-service checkouts. It marks the supermarket's 16th store in the Bristol area.
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