Re-development of former Debenhams given go-ahead by Stirling Council planners

Planning permission to re-develop the former Debenhams store at the Thistles Centre in Stirling has been approved by Stirling Council.

A picture of a city centre pedestrian shopping area with people walking in the foreground
It is hoped the re-development of the former Debenhams store will lead to an increase in the vitality of Stirling city centre.

Developer Scoop AM have been granted planning permission to sub-divide all three floors of the premises, which closed in 2021 after Debenhams went into administration, into five units.

The planning permission allows the internal layout of the former department store to be altered to include two new stores, a basement gym, food hall and, on the first floor, a family entertainment centre.

Viability

The proposed food hall will provide seating for approximately 250 people and the family entertainment centre will provide facilities such as soft play, trampolines, mini golf, laser quest and a ball pit.

A report into the application concluded that National Planning Framework 4 and the Stirling Local Development Plan 2018 both supported retail and food and drink, as well as commercial leisure developments that would generate footfall, such as a family entertainment centre and gym.

It also concluded the new use for the site would assist in increasing the vitality and viability of Stirling city centre.