Plans revealed for 338 apartments in Debenhams store

Shopping centre owner Hammerson has released plans to turn part of the former Debenhams store in its Highcross mall in Leicester into flats.

The company has teamed up with built-to-rent operator Packaged Living to launch a public consultation before it hoped to submit a planning application early next year.

The St Peters Lane scheme would include 338 apartments of different sizes, including 119 one-bed, 118 two-bed and 21 three-bed homes, a landscaped courtyard with rooftop space for residents and new store fronts in the shopping centre to replace the Debenhams unit on all floors.

Although it does not form part of the residential application, Hammerson is also planning to turn part of the former Debenhams at Highcross into new flexible retail units.

A statement from the firm said: “This new space will repond to the changing needs of retailers and ensure Highcross remains an engaging destination for visitors.”

The consultation will last until December 18, with work planned to start in 2022.