Debenhams hotel revamp recommended for approval

A former Debenhams store in Worcester looks set to be turned into a hotel, under plans to be considered by councillors this week.

Developers want to transform the building on High Street into a 63-bed hotel with commercial units on the ground floor.

The store closed in January 2021 and subsequent proposals to turn the site into a food hall ultimately fell through.

The latest plans have been recommended for approval by officers and will go before Worcester City Council's planning committee on Thursday.

If approved, the hotel would be operated by Kula, which runs several hotels in the UK and Australia in locations including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Sydney.

Agenda papers accompanying the planning application state: "Bringing a vacant flagship building within Worcester High Street back into use is actively supported and encouraged by officers and the proposed mixed-use development is considered to be acceptable in this location.

"It is of an appropriate type and scale for the location and building and there will be no unacceptable adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring occupiers."

The plans include a third-floor extension but officers say this would not have a negative impact on the city's skyline.

The hotel would have a lobby on the ground floor but no front desk, according to the plans, with bookings taken online only.

The rooms would be on the first, second and third floors and the hotel is expected to create 15 full-time jobs.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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