Debenhams hotel transformation given go-ahead

Plans to turn a former Debenhams in Worcester into a hotel have been given the go-ahead.

Worcester City Council's planning committee unanimously voted in favour of the revamp, which will be done by hotelier Kula, at a meeting on Thursday.

The transformation will see it become a 63-bed hotel with commercial units on the ground floor.

Some councillors called the store a "dated and tired building" in desperate need of the investment.

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

Plans include a third-floor extension, and a lobby on the ground floor without a front desk, as bookings will be taken online only.

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

Kula runs several hotels in the UK and Australia in locations including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Sydney.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.