Torbay’s MP, Kevin Foster, has reacted to today’s (Tuesday 1 December 2020) media reports about the future of Debenhams, which has a landmark store on Torquay Harbourside
The department store chain had already gone into administration for a second time and is now set to enter liquidation, also known as winding-up, which means it will cease to exist as a company unless a last-minute rescue package is found.
Earlier this year Torbay Council bought the department store site in Torquay for an undisclosed sum.
Commenting Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster said:
“As many retailers, including department stores, prepare to re-open in our bay tomorrow it is sad to hear this news and my thoughts are with the staff affected. I hope it will still be possible for a deal to be reached to keep the chain going, but this sadly looks unlikely. I am sure Torbay Council will do what it can as the owner of the building to retain a retail use on this iconic site.”
“This news shows just how important the recently confirmed Torquay Town Deal will be and the need to quickly start work delivering on the £21.9m worth of schemes the Government is looking to fund through it.”
ENDS
For more information please contact Kevin Foster 01803 214 989.
Notes to Editors
- Reports of Debenhams Stores facing closure:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55142724
- Torbay Council Purchase of Site:
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/torbay-council-buys-debenhams-regenerate-4096090