Department store to be demolished as £2.8m fee delayed

Demolition of a major department store is due to begin - even though the developer has yet to pay towards infrastructure improvements.

The former Debenhams site in Queensway, Southampton, will make way for a 607-home scheme.

National Regional Property Group secured planning approval for the redevelopment from Southampton City Council two years ago.

Council officers this month allowed the developer to delay paying a contribution of almost £3m to help fund infrastructure, facilities and services, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The demolition work was meant to trigger community infrastructure levy (CIL) payments of around £2.77m.

In November, the developer applied to separate the demolition work the rest of the project, meaning the CIL would not be required to be paid until later.

In a statement to the LDRS, cabinet member for economic development Cllr Sarah Bogle said: "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 Debenhams site at Queens Buildings has been vacant since the national retailer ceased trading in 2020.

The build-to-rent scheme features 598 apartments in a mix of one, two and three-bed homes, nine townhouses and a 108-space car park.

Around 1,000 people will be housed across a 17-storey and two seven-storey blocks.

National Regional Property Group has been approached for comment.

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