RESIDENTS across Taunton have had their say after plans were revealed to transform the town's Debenhams building.
On April 10, the Somerset County Gazette reported the Chestnut Group had bought the former Debenhams building in Somerset's county town - a space which has been vacant since the retailer closed its doors for the last time in May 2021.
READ MORE: Debenhams in Taunton to be discussed at public meeting
READ MORE: Taunton's former Debenhams: Chestnut Group unveils plans
The department store at 19-26 North Street has been a topic of discussion for some time, with the town's MP, Gideon Amos, trying to get the building back into use.
The space was subsequently put on the market last year (July 2025) for £1.7 million.
On January 13 2026, a public meeting was organised by The Curve, a local community association to discuss plans for the Debenhams building. The aim was to bring the building into 'mixed community use'.
Following the meeting, it was revealed that the Chestnut Group have bought the building.
The organisation spoke to the County Gazette and revealed plans for retail space on the ground floor, with two floors of residential flats above. The developer is also hoping to introduce some parking spaces.
Who are The Chestnut Group?
The new owners of Taunton's Debenhams, The Chestnut Group, are currently working on four sites, including developments in Weston‑super‑Mare and Dover.
David Carpenter, from Chestnut Group, previously told the County Gazette, they aim to make the Debenhams building their 'flagship' development.
He said: "Since we completed the purchase, we’ve gone in to make the property safe and started building surveys.
"Retail and community spaces will come first in some parts of the building. Residential would follow later – if all goes well, probably starting around January 2027. Retail could start as soon as we’ve spoken to the planners.
"Because the building is so nice, we’re keen to put a good stamp on it. The North Street Curve, as people have called it, really lends itself to being a special development."
Residents react to plans
The reopening of the building has had mixed reactions with the residents of the town, with many positive about seeing a building in a 'prominent area' open again.
A resident who lives near The Stonegallows pub, David Northwood, 73, told the County Gazette that he is 'shocked' yet remains 'positive' that something new is coming to North Street.
David said, "I must admit, when you told me the plans that Debenhams was going to reopen as new shops and flats, I was left feeling shocked.
"That's really positive news, it is intriguing to find out exactly which retailers will operate there, will we get another shopping centre like the Orchard Shopping Centre? I would like that as I come into town quite often and like to browse.
"I have not heard of the Chestnut Group, but after having read the paper last week, I can see they are serious about this place [Debenhams]. I do hope they pull through with what they have said.
"The reopening can only be a positive one. Speaking from someone who has lived in the town for over 40 years, I think we can all say that Debenhams needs to return; it will certainly take a lot of work, though.
"The town is empty without Debenhams."
Another person, who wished to remain anonymous, has positive hopes after hearing of the Chestnut Group's plans. They said: "I hope that they put a café back in there, there used to be an amazing café on the top floor when Debenhams was open before COVID.
"I will be one of the first people there to shop. I have missed shopping at a big shop like Debenhams."
Another added: "I'm really happy it's reopening with some shops.
"It's a shame about two floors of flats, why can't we have two floors of shops and one floor of flats?"
Debenhams had been operating across UK High Streets for more than 200 years. The brand's closure left big department stores across the country in limbo, with some given unique transformations.
The store in Bristol temporarily became a purpose-built skate park. The department store brand in Milton Keynes has also been transformed into a Lane 7 bowling alley/entertainment venue.
Leader of Taunton Town Council, Councillor Tom Deakin, welcomes the proposals from the Chestnut Group and says he is looking forward to working with the group on behalf of the town council.
Cllr Deakin said: "It’s very encouraging to see a potential way forward for the former Debenhams building, which occupies such a prominent and important location in Taunton town centre.
"There is real excitement locally about its future, so it is welcome that the new owners are committed to engaging with the community and listening to residents’ views.
"As Leader of Taunton Town Council, I look forward to working constructively with them as plans develop, and hope to see a scheme that successfully blends commercial and community uses.”
