CALLS are mounting for The Range to take over the former Debenhams store in Southend High Street, with residents and councillors certain it would be a huge boost. 

The Echo recently revealed that the retailer is moving into the former Debenhams in Chelmsford High Street, with the announcement sparking calls for The Range to take on the empty unit at The Royals Shopping Centre.

The Range currently has a Southend store in Short Street, Southend, but will have to move as the major redevelopment of the Queensway Estate gets underway. 

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Previously, bosses at the retailer insisted they would be keen to stay in Southend once the current site is bulldozed. 

Lesley Taylor, a 59-year-old Southend resident, said she would use both the Range and the Royals more if it went ahead with this move.

She said: “I think it would be excellent if the Range moved into the Royals. It would bring more people into the high-street too which has declined to an all time low at the moment.

“I think it would also play a part in revitalising the Royals as it is very much in need of an injection of new shops that are popular. I would use it more too if the Range was in the Royals.

“I think it is such a great idea.”

Debenhams closed in May 2021, having first opened its doors in March 1988.

In March last year, bosses at The Range insisted they were committed to finding a city centre site.

The new Chelmsford store is believed to be one of the largest homeware stores in the UK’s Southern region.

Kimberley O’Connell, a 47-year-old from Eastwood, added: “I would totally support any move to just bring life back into the high-street.

“There is nothing worse than empty shops, so it would be a great move to take over Debenhams.

“Debenhams is also a hard space to fill due to its size, but the fact they are taking over the Chelmsford site, shows promise.”

Ian Gilbert, councillor responsible for regeneration, said he hadn’t heard anything from the firm themselves.

“If The Range wanted too, it would be welcomed.”

The Range were contacted for comment but did not respond.