Yahoo News One idea came up time and again when we asked people what they'd like to see in Swansea's old Debenhams
Once the beating heart of Swansea city centre, the old Debenhams unit in the Quadrant shopping centre and more than 120 other Debenhams stores across the UK closed down just over three years ago following the firm going into administration. But whilst some Debenhams stores elsewhere have been filled with other retailers - the Swansea one sadly remains empty.
In recent weeks, a lovely new mural of Swansea and Mumbles has been painted where the main entrance to Debenhams used to be - but piles of unanswered letters and leaflets can still be seen through its doors from inside the bus station. Obviously, the lights are off in the former department store, but there's no avoiding the disappointing site of a huge empty unit in a prime location that's calling out to be filled.
Swansea Council purchased the unit in April, 2023, and as of January, 2024, had received a whopping £4.5million from the Welsh Government to refurbish the site and fill it with a new commercial tenant, such as a shop or leisure business, or multiple tenants. Whilst discussions have been ongoing in the background for quite some time, unfortunately no-one is yet understood to have signed on the dotted line.
Previously, leader of Swansea Council Rob Stewart told the Local Democracy Reporting Service what he hoped to see open in the unit. He said: "We want brands previously in Swansea to return, as well as new names coming in. That's what our agents are actively working on," he said. For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here
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As the third anniversary of the shop's emptiness has come and gone, we asked our readers what they'd like to see in the former department store - and there were a few ideas that cropped up time and time again.
"An ice rink would be amazing, and a roller disco," said one reader. "The ice rink in Cardiff is absolutely brilliant and the lessons for kids are fantastic."
"Ice rink or roller disco that would be amazing," said another reader. Whilst a third also said: "Indoor ice rink like they have in East Kilbride Glasgow with shops and food."
But one local resident expressed surprise at the apparent interest in an ice rink, writing: "Never realised Swansea had so many budding ice skaters! They will all go once and moan about it six months later". However, a fellow resident suggested having an ice rink in Swansea would save lots of families money as many travelled to Cardiff or further afield for classes. "There are a lot of figure skaters in the Swansea area who travel to Cardiff for skating lessons/practice at silly o'clock in the morning and back in time for school," they said.
"An ice rink would be awesome, what we spend on petrol [to travel to lessons elsewhere] could be spent on lessons instead," added another.
"Ice rink would be a must, teams, discos, leisure time would bring a lot to Swansea from all parts, the Valleys etc," another resident agreed. "Kids would love to learn to skate, ice hockey teams - [the unit should be] something can be useful and all year round. [There's] enough outlet shops around, so we need something city centre!"
"SWANSEA 100% NEEDS AN ICE RINK!!" exclaimed another reader, whilst another said: "Go karting and ice rink with a few stalls and some food bits."
Sharing a different idea, one local resident said: "[With] the size of the building, IKEA would be ideal - car park, catering facilities already there and good for the locals and students." Whilst another resident floated the idea of a different department store like John Lewis filling the unit, writing: "I went to John Lewis in Cardiff yesterday, why can't we have a John Lewis here in Swansea? It would be perfect." It was an idea echoed by another local resident who said: "A John Lewis with tidy shops would be nice."
Another resident agreed, writing: "IKEA or John Lewis. We need big store to raise the footfall in Swansea. Too many offices, student accommodation and charity shops in the city centre - also need to clean up the city centre. Make it more family friendly." "We definitely need a department store!" said another.
"Ikea has the vote! Failing that, there's room for an aquarium (imagine it like a Dubai mall - obviously wishing thinking!)," said another reader. "Or a planetarium/science centre with astronomy immersive theatres. Something like an upgraded Techniquest? With the help of Swansea Uni for demonstration days and it will create jobs for local residents. Family fun days in the city centre is needed! It will boost tourism for local businesses, encourage educational school trips, it will bring cash flow back in to the city centre, which is very much needed."
Sharing a similar idea, another local said: "Aquarium and sea life centre - bring footfall in. Also fish be happier in there than polluted Gower coast!"
Making a joke about the many units across Swansea and other cities occupied by discount retailers and barbers, another resident sarcastically said: "Swansea doesn't have enough barbers, vape shops, charity shops, pound shops and student accommodation. Definitely one of the above is needed."
But others suggested they'd like to see more shops opening. "Beg some shops to open please!!" said one resident. "Sick of online shopping and so are most other people I speak to. The novelty has well and truly worn off!"
"A little shopping mall with lots of shops, a nice restaurant upstairs with different food outlets," added another resident. "A variety of food to suit everyone's tastes. No more students accommodation please!"
"Family friendly indoor play area and coffee shop on ground floor, restaurant and adult play area upstairs. Inflatable obstacles, slides and maybe a small indoor paintball range," suggested another.
"Restaurants would be fantastic, with shops in Quadrant being open late," said another.
What would you like to see in the old Debenhams? Tell us by commenting below.
