C&R 'disappointed' as Debenhams prepares to vacate Luton's The Mall

The department store shuts for good on Saturday, May 8, and is offering discounts of up to 80% in its closing down sale.

Although C&R recently announced a partnership with technology firm REEF to transform unused parts of The Mall into community facilities, the firm has indicated the unit is being marketed for retail.

A C&R spokesman said: “We are disappointed that the Debenhams store will be closing soon, our thoughts are with the Debenhams employees who will be affected by this.

“We are currently focused on securing new occupiers to occupy the space that is reverting to us and look forward to bringing vibrant new retailers into the centre to continue to serve the local community.”

C&R's plans with REEF include renovating empty shop units and car park space for purposes including:

> Neighbourhood kitchens for online restaurants;

> Growing crops - also know as urban farming;

> Storage, fulfilment and last mile logistics;

> E-scooter rentals and charging stations for electric vehicles.