What To Do With an Empty Debenhams
The Debenhams building in the arc has been much discussed recently since it was announced that The Everyman Cinema Group have shown interest in turning the building into the town’s third cinema.
We have been discussing this in We Love Bury St Edmunds! over a couple of posts and the general consensus of opinion is that we don’t want it.
Of course there have been the usual comments about people wanting Primark which always gets peoples opionions divided. But other more worthy suggestions have been put forward. Surely, it would be wise for Everyman to actually listen to what potential users of the building want?
The suggestions have been Rollerbury 2, a venue for an indoor market with a variety of traders along the lines of La Bouqueria in Barcelona, an arts venue which would attract bigger names than the arc, museum with a space for local art exhibitions, Mixed Entertainment centre, a youth hub. etc
One member commented “they don’t care if it affects us. The decision seems to be a cinema from what I hear and there are SO many of us who have expressed how much we don’t want another one. Perhaps the owners seeing angry residents never getting a say, will sway.”
Another member says
And really pushing the boat out “The Debenhams building would make a great media hub – local radio, TV, recording studio, perhaps some themed small shops selling music, games, etc. Great access for film units, right in the middle of town, and not too many neighbours to upset.
As you can see, the letter states that “ANYONE who wishes to make representation…” Contact them, and tell them what you want, and what you don’t want!
So have we missed any suggestions, please comment below.
www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/privacy/privacy-notice-for-development-management.cfm
OWNERS Alter Domus Guernsey Ltd
EMAIL [email protected]
Who are The Bury WM Unit Trust ?
Email sent to Everyman Cinema
In my Community based Facebook Group, “We Love Bury St Edmunds!” se have been discussing the possible development of the iconic Debenhams building in the arc, Bury St Edmunds. It is very clear amongst the 22,600 plus members that the last thing we want is a third cinema in the town.
I look forward, as so do my members, your views. I would like to think you would be more successful, if you listen to the residents of the town.
9 Comments
There is no way that a cinema would be a good idea. We already have 2, one of which is just a few minutes walk away, with sitting and eating areas and also many screens. Abbeygate Cinema which is much older and definitely doesn’t need extra competition right now.
I still think that whole whole of the building would be much better as a museum with space for exhibition space for art and sculpture from the local people of Suffolk. We do have Moyses hall museum in town, but it is tiny and has to often change it’s exhibits often just so they can fit more things in it. Suffolk and East Anglia is the pinnacle of metal detecting finds and seeing these sorts of objects displayed for all of the townspeople and tourists would be wonderful. Don’t forget that museums bring in tourists, not like a 3rd cinema would. The museum would be a great cultural addition to the Arc, as the Apex does often for music and the arts. We’ve all seen how successful the Gaia exhibition was in The Apex. Those sorts of things deserve to have a more permeant home in a museum.
We no longer have a bingo Hall here in Bury so that would be a good option?
No way to have another cinema. What about IKEA would be good ideal for empty Debenhams? Or Primark with a nice cafe ?
I think it should turn into Primark not an cinema. We have other cinemas already we don’t need another. Just imagine how much people will shop at Primark because its quite cheap. We are one of the places have not got Primark yet and it will be so great to have one and people won’t have to travel to other places just to go to one shop.
I agree with some of the suggestions on here – Rollerbury 2, a venue for an indoor market with a variety of traders along the lines of La Bouqueria in Barcelona, an arts venue which would attract bigger names than the arc, museum with a space for local art exhibitions, Mixed Entertainment centre with new local talents, a youth hub – I definitely think a mixture of these facilities would fill a gap in the town. With all the new housing developments with families we need more in the town, particularly for teens.
What about something like a bowling place, with arcades and pool tables, it would be good for keeping young people off the streets ?
Primark or John Lewis
Most towns in the UK have an arts center.. we dont it would be good to had a proper community arts centre for all people and another venue … small alternative … there is also room for pop up stalls too.
We don’t need more slave trade fashion shops or another cinema. Please don’t make another shit decision bury Council
It is evident to me reading the comments that another cinema is the least popular choice for the Debenhams store. Ours is a fast growing town bringing more and more families in. Palmers stores were a great loss and should never have been allowed to leave but the council preffered Debenhams and have now reaped what they have sown.