CALLS to revitalise Taunton’s town centre were heard in Parliament this week.
Gideon Amos MP (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington) called for action to help revitalise the town’s former Debenhams store on North Street in Parliament on Wednesday (February 26).
The store closed its doors in May 2021 and has been vacant ever since.
Mr Amos spoke in a debate about the government’s policy on high street rental auctions, held in Westminster Hall.
New rules will allow councils to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been empty for long periods.
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Speaking after the debate, he said: “I was able to highlight the importance of the Debenhams building being regenerated and revitalised and pay tribute to the efforts of my Lib Dem colleagues on Taunton Town Council who have been trying to secure a future for the building.
“High street auctions are one of the powers made available to councils by the government, but unfortunately those powers don’t apply to former department stores.
“As there are so many big and important buildings in our high streets, I urged the minister to reconsider so that these buildings can be regenerated and brought back into use.
“It’s really important to me that we get the Debenhams building reoccupied, and I’m pleased to be working now with the owners.”
The minister taking part in the debate, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Rushanara Ali MP, responded directly to the questions Mr Amos raised in his speech.
She said a range of other measures, including compulsory purchase powers, were available to councils to address long-term empty buildings.
In the debate, Mr Amos promoted the “vibrant” town centres in Taunton and Wellington, citing the new businesses that have moved in, their food and street festivals, and the new banking hub in Wellington.
He mentioned seven new businesses had opened in Taunton in the past year and also highlighted the increased occupancy rate in Taunton town centre, from 85% to 90%, over 12 months.
Mr Amos added: “I’m grateful to the owners of Taunton’s former Debenhams building for coming back to me and I’m looking forward to meeting with them to discuss a way forward.”
It would be lovely to see a permanent indoor market on one floor, a gaming area with arcade machines on another floor and a further floor given over to a decent food hall. Something for everyone, and would make a real attraction for the town.