Winchester market traders divided about Nando's and Five Guys

Debenhams, which has been empty since 2021, is to be re-let to a trio of restaurants, with Five Guys, Nando’s confirmed and Pizza Express expected to move into the ground floor.

Three planning applications, submitted to Winchester City Council by Firstplan, have confirmed that Five Guys and Nando’s will be moving into the space.

It has not been confirmed if Pizza Express will be in the third restaurant.

The empty Debenhams stall (Image: Chris Atkinson)READ MORE: Five Guys and Nando's coming to Winchester as plans submitted

On market days, stalls operate in front of the Debenhams unit - a temporary arrangement while the building is empty. 

It is not known when the restaurants will open, but once they do, a number of market stall pitches will be moved again. 

Amanda Harrington, who is behind The Biltong Lady, has been at the Winchester market for four years and is directly outside Debenhams. 

Amanda Harrington at her market stall (Image: Imogen Clarke)She told The Chronicle that she worries about her losing pitch and the re-jig that will have to happen and says she will have to advertise where her new position will be.

Ms Harrington said: "It will affect hot food at the market no doubt, but it will also alter the dynamics of the High Street. We will just ride the tide when it comes."

Robert Hutton, of Retro Rob’s Vintage and Designer Clothing, has been in the city for three years.

Retro Rob's (Image: Imogen Clarke)He told the Chronicle that the market is "struggling generally", with fellow traders forced to give up with fewer people buying.

Mr Hutton admitted that he is concerned about the future of his pitch on Fridays as he will have to be moved. 

SEE MORE: Winchester residents split on Nando's and Five Guys coming to city

Pauline Topham, who runs the Chabbique stall, said that she feels 'great uncertainty' and is worried about her future pitch position. 

She said: "It is a worrying time. All  the owners of the market stalls are just trying to make a living."

Greek Catering (Image: Imogen Clarke)Greek Catering, however, is very confident that Nando's and Five Guys won't impact them. 

After one and a half years in Winchester, George Saakov said his business "provides unique food that nowhere else does". 

He said: "They will attract more people and that will be good for the high street. We've been in the business long enough to understand how it works, it's like a circle." 

Gillian Thorne at Secret Garden Soaps (Image: Imogen Clarke)Gillian Thorne has been at the market since Christmas with her 'Secret Garden Soaps' stall. 

Although she was concerned about the impact on hot food stalls, she said: "It will be good for bringing people into the city and making them stay. It will be beneficial."

A Winchester City Council spokesperson said “Market pitches in front of the former Debenhams building are a temporary arrangement while the building is closed.

"When the building re-opens, designated space is available on the lower high street and Middle Brook Street on market days.

"The market management team will work closely with the traders to ensure they are kept informed, and are happy to discuss any concerns directly.”