Plans to revamp shopping centre

Plans have been put forward for the regeneration of a former city centre shopping centre in Derbyshire.

The Debenhams store on Victoria Street in Derby has been empty since the owners, Westfield, moved to a new location in the city.

Bids for the redevelopment of the site closed a month ago, and Westfield said several offers were being considered.

The city council said a decision needed to be made "as soon as possible... for the benefit of the city".

Michael Foote, deputy chief executive at Derby City Council, said the council would be interested in being a tenant in the building.

We have got more than two offers, some for retail some for mixed used Neil Huntington Development Director, Westfield

"The council is in need of some new accommodation to complement the council house in the city centre," he said.

Neil Huntington, Westfield development director, said: "We have got more than two offers, some for retail some for mixed used," he said.

It would take time to consider the offers he added, but making a decision was a "matter of weeks rather than months".

Derby-based developer Peter Gadsby has put in an offer to refurbish the site.

"Our plans are to regenerate the old Debenhams by completely gutting it... and adding an atrium and creating three new entrances.

"So it could be up and running in about 18 months," he said.