THE long-empty Debenhams department store in Winchester looks set to be converted for the hospitality trade.

The High Street store, empty since 2021 and owned by Surrey County Council, is now being marketed as three restaurants or cafes, with hotel rooms at the back off Market Lane.

The news will be a blow to local people who dreamed of an indoor market or division into stores for independent traders.

READ MORE HERE: Debenhams in Winchester to close

Covent Garden-based property agents AG&G says the plan is for the three-storey 50,408 sq ft department store to be divided on the ground floor into three units of 2,848 sq ft, 3,188 sq ft and 2,948 sq ft.

The predicted rent charges are £115,000 for unit 1; £125,000 for unit 2 and £120,000 for unit 3.

Hampshire Chronicle:

The marketing brochure describes it a "prime High Street location opposite M&S, close to Rick Stein and Pitcher and Piano, a proven high trading location with high footfall and located in affluent and highly-sought after area."

An informed source told the Chronicle that there is strong interest in opening in the city from the the food and drink sector including Burger King, Nando's and Five Guys.

The city is generally seeing a decline in retail and a growth in the hospitality sector. Joules on the High Street, formerly until the 1980s the Dolphin Inn, is set to close on Saturday September 25.

SEE ALSO: City centre traders to close this weekend

The current plan is for the back of the building to have seven hotel bedrooms and an entrance foyer on the ground floor. Plans for the second and third floor are not available but it would appear that the upper storeys of Debenhams could become a hotel similar to the Travelodge down the street.

AG&G has been approached for comment.