It has been two years since the Debenhams store in Eagles Meadow, Wrexham, closed its doors for the final time with the store remaining empty.

In May 2021, the store stopped trading following a huge closing down sale, and was one of the many stores in Wales and England to close its doors as the 242-year-old brand disappeared from UK high streets.

The company entered administration in April 2019 and again a year later, and was finally bought out by Boohoo in January 2021 after entering liquidation.

The online fashion retailer purchased the Debenhams brand and website for £55m, meaning all existing stores closed, and left around 12,000 jobs at risk.

This left one of Wrexham’s largest retail spaces empty and Leader readers have been vocal about what sort of things they would like to see fill it.

Back in February 2023, Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton revealed that she was aware of several businesses looking at moving into Eagles Meadow following the news that M&S would be moving to Plas Coch Retail Park.

On the two year anniversary, the MP said: "I’m aware of a number of exciting enquiries into the vacated Debenhams site. However, I am mindful that these are challenging times for city centre retail businesses and the planning and contractual processes do take longer than expected.

"I continue to work closely with all businesses and am keen to attract new companies to come to Wrexham, but I am concerned that business rates, which are set by the Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff, are disincentivising potential investors."

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We appreciate how difficult recent years have been for businesses. During the pandemic we provided £2.2bn of support, and over the next two years we are providing a further £460m which will provide additional rates relief and support businesses with the pressures of inflation.

“Non-domestic rates are calculated and applied consistently across Wales. As we continue our economic recovery it will be crucial to find a balance between ensuring revenue is collected to fund the local services we all use, and securing a fair and sustainable contribution from businesses.

“We are in the early stages of reforming non-domestic rates, for example through more frequent revaluations. We will also undertake a review of our rates relief schemes to ensure they’re delivering support in the most effective way. As we consider further reforms we will work closely with business representatives as we seek to achieve a fair, sustainable system.”

Many have suggested that the space left by Debenhams be used for ‘entertainment’, with suggestions such as crazy golf or an indoor go-cart track, and others said that they would like to see laser quest, escape rooms, or rock climbing.

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The general census is that Eagles Meadow should develop into a food and entertainment space in the city centre with the units filled with restaurants and other retailers that can accommodate this.

One thing is for certain, the Debenhams store is now a much missed retailer in Wrexham and, unsurprisingly, Leader readers want to see the space used.

What would you like to see the former Debenhams store used for?