'Former Colchester Debenhams should become a Roman spa'

The former Debenhams, which lies empty in Culver Square, Colchester, is the subject of ongoing discussions into how new life can be breathed into its three storeys of space.

And if Colchester Council’s business boss has his say, it could be transformed by turning into a luxury spa complex with a rooftop swimming pool as the jewel in the crown.

Debenhams closed in Colchester in May last year after first opening in 1987 as the flagship retailers for the shopping centre.

However, following sales nosediving in recent years, the enforced closure of sites during the pandemic was the final nail in the coffin, resulting in the company falling into administration.

Ambitious - Darius Laws

Inspired during a trip to a Roman spa in Bath, Darius Laws now wants to start a conversation on the potential of opening a similar facility in the building, with a Marks and Spencer foodhall in the ground floor.

He said: “I think there’s a case for this sort of facility in Roman Colchester, with a swimming pool on top.

“The rooftop views looking over the town, getting up close with Jumbo - it could be quite special up there.

“There is certainly a case for a leisure provider to come into the building.

We have to be realistic and adapt to changing consumer habits and the fact is the demand for department stores isn’t the same anymore.”

Closed - the former Debenhams store (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Laws said the loss of Debenhams was a big blow to the town and explained business bossed have to be “brave” when discussing the site’s future.

“We’re not going to get a big department store back so we’ve got to be receptive to new ideas, and a Roman spa could be just the ticket.

“As a council we are realistic about the changing nature of the High Street and we have to be careful not to be too nostalgic; major shifts have happened.

“We need to be brave and have difficult conversations. My idea isn’t perfect but it gets a positive conversation started.”