AS TK Maxx sets its sights on a former Debenhams in Cumbria, speculation has arisen over what the closed department store in Barrow could become.

More than a year after Debenhams in Portland Walk shut its doors for the final time, rumours still surround what the former retail giant will turn into.

Renewed interest in the store has been prompted by a planning application submitted to convert the Debenhams in Workington into 'a leading national clothing retailer'.

The Mail’s sister paper, the Times and Star, reported earlier in the week that the anonymous applicant is well-known department store TK Maxx.

READ MORE: High Street retailer set to move to former Debenhams, Workington

The building has stood empty since Debenhams closed its doors in May last year when the department store chain was plunged into administration nationally.

The closure of all the chain’s shops was confirmed after online fashion retailer Boohoo agreed to only buy its website and brand in a £55 million rescue deal.

The Mail:

The application has sparked calls from the Barrow community for decisions to be made on the vacant unit.

Michèle Gregory said: “Primark! Or multiple shopping chains. I'm sure it will could help keep it affordable for multiple chain stores mixing in one building.”

Peter Rodell said :”Reopen the roads in the centre of town (ten miles per house); one way system, one hour free parking , that will bring people back.”

Julie Macmillan Clarke said: “If we can't get shops in maybe an entertainment place with things to do and places to eat and drink. They've opened one in Manchester’s Arndale with golf, the cube game and places to eat etc.”

The Tanning Salon said: “Top floor a bowling alley, ground floor food court. Drives footfall into town which supports the independent traders.”

Nicola Ann Johnson said: “Definitely something to entertain people, bowling alley I miss, arcades for kids etc.”

Kelly Chivrall said: “I know it’s divisive but a Primark would do well in barrow. As would a H&M. But logistically these are unlikely as Barrow’s too far from their other stores/distribution network.”

Julie Langhorn said: “I really think a Primark would do well here. Maybe a few different places in there with it being so big. One business on its own maybe wouldn’t survive.”

Jacob Naylor said: “Turn it into independent small retailers and make it an Afflecks Palace type of thing. There is no contest.”

David Armstrong said: “Wonder what the feasibility of putting a transparent roof over Dalton Road and Portland Walk is then having permanent market style stalls and continental style cafe bars at affordable rents for local businesses.”

The Mail:

The building that housed Barrow’s Debenhams store was sold at auction last year as well as three nearby shops and the rooftop car park.

The units sold for £3 million in 2017 but, following the closure of the department store giant, they sold for just £600,000.

READ MORE: Former Barrow Debenhams store is sold at auction

Also sold was an empty shop as well the units formerly used by the Body Shop and WH Smith.

The 106-space rooftop car park also made up part of the deal.

The closure of Debenhams follows that of other national chains that neighbour it in Portland Walk, including Topshop, River Island, Thorntons, Goldsmiths, Pandora and others.