Workington looks one step closer to having TK Maxx store

A planning application was submitted to Allerdale last month, that would see the former Debenhams store, converted into a unit to house 'a leading national clothing retailer'. 

Earlier this month, the council have accepted the application on two conditions : that the development is carried out within three years of this month and that it should be carried out solely according to the plans submitted.

The news will be welcomed by many in the town - after the former Debenhams store has stood empty for over a year after the company decided to shut its Workington store in May 2021.

TK Maxx, a well-known department store with premises all over the country, will be moving into the former Debenhams store in the Washington Square shopping centre, the Times and Star understands.

Speaking at the time the planning application was submitted, Mr Jenkinson said: "While I’m not at liberty to discuss potential tenants, I know that Allerdale Borough Council and Sovereign Centros have worked incredibly hard to secure a future for the Debenhams building despite the backdrop of the covid pandemic when retailers were not investing in high streets.

"While Allerdale Borough Council no longer having any control over potential tenants or incentives to attract them is a sad indictment of previous administrations having given away our town centre and relinquished control completely, I’m glad to see that we finally have what one assumes to be a high profile tenant.

"I’m hopeful that they can build on the work the council are doing in conjunction with me and central government, to breathe new life into Workington town centre."

The £50 million Washington Square shopping centre was brought to Workington in 2006.

Debenhams played a significant part in the development as the main anchor store for the project, with shops such as HMV and River Island following the store into town.