Designs are being drawn up to transform the former city centre Debenhams store which has stood empty for more than two years.

The redundant 100,000sqft department store on the corner of Red Lion Street and Orford Place closed in May 2020 after falling victim to the pandemic and collapsing into administration.

It was sold to an Irish-based owner which is yet to be revealed.

In April this year it was revealed that the site had been taken on by "a student-focussed developer" who was expected to spend millions of pounds on the project.

A source close to the redevelopment said: "The new owner is working on plans in order to get planning permission. It will be a student offering."

They added it was expected that a retail element would be proposed for the ground floor part of the building.

Norwich Evening News:

Stefan Gurney, executive director of Norwich BID, said: "We are engaging with the city council and others to identify ourselves with the new owners of the building.

"For us, the redevelopment of the former Debenhams site, or Orford House, is a key footprint in the city.

"We would like to see more mixed-use across the building rather than just on the ground floor including a doctors and dentist, which would add to the city's physical infrastructure.

"There is a challenge with the amount of infrastructure in this area compared to the amount of residential development.

"We are close to the capacity of student development and would prefer to see more accommodation focussed on young professionals."

Norwich Evening News:

Martin Schmierer, Green Party city councillor for Mancroft ward, said: "It is obviously something of an eyesore but I'd rather the right decision for the property is made rather than simply the fastest.

"Personally, I'd rather see the space used to meet the needs of the city. There seems to be a general need for smaller, higher-quality and more agile offices.

"I'd like to see more small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, especially in the technology and creative sectors offered affordable space in multi-occupied managed centres.

"At least part of the Debenhams site could be repurposed for this."