TAUNTON residents have given their suggestions on what should be done with the town's former Debenhams store.

The retailer closed its doors for the last time on May 2, 2021 after nearly 60 years of trading in the county town. 

The store on North Street has remained vacant ever since, with Ropemaker Properties applying to demolish the structure and build 92 flats and a smaller commercial outlet in its place.

But Somerset West and Taunton Council have confirmed that these plans have now been withdrawn by the developer, meaning that the future of the property is now uncertain.

Many locals have had their say on what should be done with the building.

One resident, perhaps jokingly, said: "More coffee shops, a tattooist and maybe a floor of hairdressers as we haven’t got that many! This building has so much to offer."

Many agreed with turning the building into something to help local business owners: "Flats on top floors. Indoor indie market for the rest would be perfect!

"Would be a good way to help those wanting to set up shop in Taunton and work up to being able to get a proper shop because our business rents are so damn high here."

Others suggested a venue to keep young people entertained: "Something for the kids, and I mean teenagers aswell.

"Roller rink, cinema, a decent soft play. There's so much room and multiple levels that can easily accommodate this."

Another said: "It needs to be something we don't already have in Taunton and you can't buy online. Go-karting, roller disco, climbing wall."

For one resident, the future of the property doesn't look hopeful: "That’s going to become another Cattle Market situation, it’s going to lie empty for years and years and they’ll keep coming back and asking the public time and time again what they want to see the place become without getting further forward.

"There’s derelict land just across the river (Poundstrecher site) that nobody knows what to do with, a brand new development of empty (all bar one) commercial units on Coal Orchard and an empty store tally in the Town Centre that seems to increase by the week, it’s just completely soul destroying and utterly depressing."