Former department stores facing ‘existential crisis’

Former department stores buildings across the East Midlands are facing an “existential crisis” because of the pandemic and rapidly changing shopping habits, according to a new report.

‘Departing Stores – Emporia at Risk’ – a new report from Save Britain’s Heritage, urges an “imaginative re-use” of the former “cathedrals of commerce”.

In the East Midlands, these sites include the former Debenhams store in Nottignham’s Old Market Square, the old Jessop & Son building on King Street, the former Woolworths store on Lister Gate and Co-operative House on Upper Parliament Street in the city as well as the site of the original Boots pharmacy on Pelham Street.

Also included is the Morgan & Squire and Fenwick buildings in Leicester.

The report says: “Department stores make up some of the finest and most socially significant buildings on British high streets. Designed to impress and inspire, they are of great architectural merit, and stand as a monument to the historic prosperity of their town. They are deeply connected with personal histories, as places where generations of people have gathered, worked, even celebrated their weddings.”

SAVE’s report argues these cathedrals of commerce should – and can – be rescued and new uses found.

The fully illustrated report, by Harriet Lloyd, showcases 46 of the UK’s most significant department store buildings, from Aberdeen to Eastbourne, detailing their fascinating stories and architectural appeal.

In particular, the report sounds the klaxon for 18 which are at serious risk of being permanently lost – while celebrating a further 14 that have been rescued and given new life, demonstrating that viable uses can be found for these precious buildings.

The report says: “In a new era when large-scale retail is no longer sustainable, these fine structures are at risk of dilapidation or even demolition. And as these hubs of daily life are erased from the map, local communities feel increasingly disenfranchised. Protecting and reviving these buildings is not only a matter of preserving precious and distinctive architecture; it is an opportunity to restore a sense of place.”