Broadmead Debenhams and M&S stores' lack of progress causing shoppers concern

The past two years have seen what was once one of Bristol's top shopping destinations, Broadmead, experience drastic changes. These changes include the closures of two of Bristol's most prominent stores - Debenhams and Marks and Spencer.

Debenhams closed down in May 2021. It was one of 49 branches across the UK to close after the long-running retailer chain fell into administration.

And then, less than a year later Broadmead lost another much-loved store - Marks and Spencer. The closure, which happened in January 2022, is part of a wider UK property reshape by M&S, which has 17 other shops across the South West, including at Cribbs Causeway and in Longwell Green.

And since, ex-customers and locals have remained invested in what will become of the two buildings that were once such staples of the city centre. Whilst any moves for the formers M&S have been silent, Debenhams has since announced plans - which appear to have not come into fruition.

Debenhams was confirmed as being part of the cities regeneration plans, earlier this month. And in February, 2022 it was announced that the sale of the site was expected to go through "within weeks".

Speaking to Bristol Live, Nick Allan, from commercial property agents Cushman and Wakefield, said: "The owners have exchanged conditional contracts for the sale of the property and that's likely to complete within the next four weeks." Although Mr Allan could not disclose the exact details of the new owner, he said they are involved in "all sectors of property".

Bristol's mayor, Marvin Rees, spoke on the future of the building, saying: "We’ve been very clear that whatever happens with Debenhams has to fit within our plans for the city centre." However, exact plans for the site are yet to be shared.

However, locals and shoppers seem to have grown impatient with the lack of progress. Speaking to Bristol Live, Susan - who says she was a Debenhams shopper for most of her adult life, shared her issue with the empty building saying the "lack of progress and transparency" is what she finds most concerning.

"Debenhams was a staple for many people and so the closure, without a lack of alternatives is infuriating. It would be nice to know whether former shoppers will be catered for in any way."

Debenhams in Broadmead before its closure (Image: John Myers)

And, whilst sharing that she didn't regularly shop in Debenhams, local Lindsay also has concerns over what will be added to the City Centre. "I think I'm not the only person expecting to have student flats added to the City Centre. To me, that's just not what Broadmead needs" she said.

Although Marks and Spencer's has not been closed for as long, there has been a silence regarding what will take place at the site. James Mark, who lives nearby the City Centre, told Bristol Live that he formerly enjoyed paying a weekly visit to Marks and Spencer for groceries.

"It always appeared busy so it was certainly a shock that it closed down. It would be nice if they replaced it with a food court at least, similar to the one in Eastgate."

However, another shopper didn't share the same surprise at the shops closing with Joanne telling Bristol Live she only ever used the former Marks and Spencer as "a route through to the shops on the other side."

The Bristol BID has told Bristol Live that at this time, they cannot provide any updates about the happenings of both the former Debenhams or Marks and Spencer.