Hastings Debenhams building sold as its future begins to take shape

The deal means all stores, including the Roberston Street shop, will be closed once stock has been cleared following the third national lockdown.

The council confimed the Debenhams building in the town centre has been sold, with plans for it to be converted into mixed use.

Councillor Colin Fitzgerald, lead councillor for Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said: “We’re obviously aware of the latest news regarding Debenhams. First and foremost our thoughts are with those people that have lost their jobs.

“Regarding the Hastings site we are aware that this has been recently sold. We understand with a view to converting the site to mixed use.

“We stand ready to support the new owners where we can to ensure the success of the site going forwards. We also understand that employment will continue after the lockdown restrictions have been lifted, while the store reopens to liquidate stock and to get the store ready.”