Demolition of Former Debenhams Site to Proceed Despite Delayed £2.8 Million Infrastructure Payment

The demolition of a significant department store is scheduled to commence, despite the developer not having yet contributed to infrastructure enhancements. This site, previously occupied by Debenhams in Queensway, Southampton, is slated for redevelopment into a 607-residence project. National Regional Property Group obtained planning consent for this redevelopment from Southampton City Council two years prior. This month, council officials granted the developer permission to postpone a payment of nearly £3 million, intended for the funding of infrastructure, facilities, and services, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The commencement of demolition was originally intended to activate community infrastructure levy (CIL) payments totaling approximately £2.77 million. In November, the developer submitted an application to separate the demolition phase from the remainder of the project, thereby deferring the requirement for CIL payment. In remarks provided to the LDRS, Cllr Sarah Bogle, cabinet member for economic development, stated: “The levy will become due after the demolition phase, which is currently scheduled to start in early January 2025, when construction of the development technically commences.” The former Debenhams premises at Queens Buildings has remained unoccupied since the national retail chain ceased operations in 2020. The planned build-to-rent development encompasses 598 apartments, comprising one, two, and three-bedroom units, along with nine townhouses and a car park offering 108 spaces. Approximately 1,000 individuals are expected to reside across one 17-storey building and two seven-storey buildings. National Regional Property Group has been contacted for a statement.