Hammerson submits plans for over 300 apartments in former Debenhams store

Hammerson, owner and manager of the Leicester shopping mall Highcross, has submitted plans to redevelop the former Debenhams store at the centre into new homes for rent.

Hammerson has worked jointly with private-rented-sector specialist Packaged Living on the plans.

The submission follows a virtual public consultation which took place at the end of last year. The consultation ran for ten days and Hammerson says the feedback on the plans was positive, with over 80% of consultees supporting the proposed regeneration.

The development, designed by CRTKL, would see the former Debenhams department store at Highcross transformed into over homes, as well as regenerating East Bond Street, where the entrance will be located.

Hammerson says the scheme will support 800 jobs while under construction.

Mark Bourgeois, managing director UK and Ireland at Hammerson, said: “Since opening its doors in 2008, Highcross has firmly established itself as an integral part of Leicester’s city core. While the structural shift in retail and changing consumer shopping habits have meant that destinations such as Highcross need to adapt their offer and mix of uses, well-connected city centre locations such as this will always be places where people want to be.

“We are delighted to submit this proposal for high-quality homes for local people to rent, which will support our brands at Highcross and contribute to the continued success of Leicester City Centre.”

Mark Woodrow, joint managingdirector at Packaged Living said, “St Peter’s Lane is the result of Hammerson and Packaged Living’s shared vision to deliver good quality rental homes within sustainable, mixed-use communities. We are delighted to be working with Hammerson, bringing our investment, development and operational experience in the build-to-rent sector to support the re-purposing and evolution of this excellently located asset.”