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Education & Family

Gloucester’s Debenhams building will become uni campus

Plans to convert the iconic Debenhams building in Gloucester into a University of Gloucestershire campus have been approved.

The Kings Square department store closed permanently in May last year when the company went out of business.

Gloucester City Council has now given approval to convert the building from commercial to educational use.

Councilor Usman Bhaimia said it was a “credit to the university and would help attract more people to the city”.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the university said the campus would play a “transformative role” in the heart of the city center and contribute to Gloucester’s economic and cultural development.

Ms Bhaimia, who also sits on the planning committee, said the plans were “great”.

“It is right in the city center from where people can access transportation such as buses and trains.

“And at the same time it’s close to shops for students and they can go out at night.”

Classrooms equipped with the latest technology, a university library, student support zones and a dedicated faith room are planned.

The Studentenwerk helped design the campus headquarters on the ground floor, while the basement is being converted into a large lecture hall that will also function as a conference and exhibition space.

The building’s exterior is being renovated, but the architects said they plan to retain the best elements of the original building and its materials while exposing the concrete supports.

The university is also in talks with the council about opening a public library on the ground floor.

Staff and students are expected to have access to teaching facilities by September 2023.

Gloucester City Council planning committee vice-chairman Steve Morgan said he was “delighted” with the university’s vision, calling it a “bold step”.

“It’s a good investment in a building that is iconic.

He said there had been “a lot of interest” in the plans to revitalize Gloucester city centre.

“We are the envy of other similar towns that have Debenhams and other similar buildings.

“It was welcomed in every way and we wish them well.”

The project is supported by the Government’s Leveling Up Fund and is part of a £110m regeneration of the Kings Square area.

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