With the closing date of Carlisle’s Debenham’s store confirmed as tomorrow (May 12), many shop owners, residents and townspeople are wondering what will take its place – and what it will mean for the future of Carlisle as a whole.

The building has been a landmark to many Cumbrians over the years as a central and integral part of Carlisle’s retail identity.

Carlisle city councillor Paul Nedved, said about the issue: “The closure of Debenhams is not just a blow to our retail market, but 120 others up and down the country, and we will be facing the same challenges as them and in the current Covid climate will make it that much tougher. However, I’m extremely confident that we will bounce back.”

Our readers have shared their views on what they’d like to see.

Alice Murphy, said: “Think TK Maxx should go into it and have a floor in the market specifically for food and the rest for stalls (more local crafts). Get back to tradition and keep it as a market.”

Tania Allen, said: “An NHS dentist to cater for patients who can’t afford to pay private fees.

"I’m sure the building would be bursting at the seams.”

Rachel Barker, said: “Would be good as an entertainment complex, maybe bowling, ice skating, etc.”

The city council is currently weighing a variety of options to try and find a series of options for the building’s future use.

Cllr Nedved said: “Rest assured we’re leaving no stone unturned to secure the future of the site. There are active discussions taking place between the City Centre Team and The Lanes Team and we’re all working extremely hard to see how best to secure our city’s future.”

About the possible future uses for the building, Cllr Nedved added: “It’s such a substantial piece of property really, and a pivotal part of The Lanes development.

"A lot of effort will be taken to see how to re-purpose the building. It could have a multiplicity of uses, it lends itself to possibly another retail operation or be split into units or it could be a leisure facility.”