Closure order on Nottingham's former Debenhams building to be extended after break-ins

The department store closed in May 2021 and has been prone to break-ins by youths and urban explorers.

The latest incident happened on November 2, when two boys aged 14 and 15 were arrested after bricks were thrown from the roof.

Long Row Properties acquired the building in 2017 and it is now managed by Longmead Capital.

Coun Neghat Khan (Lab), council leader, issued a message to the owners at a meeting on November 9.

She said: “It is not acceptable for a landmark building in the heart of Nottingham to remain derelict indefinitely.

“The responsibility to secure it rests first and foremost with its owner.

"The council has taken action, working with Nottinghamshire Police.

"We secured a closure order in December 2025, that order has been extended several times and currently runs until November 20.

“I can assure everyone it will be extended.

"We have also supported police investigations through our CCTV, and the Norfolk Place alleyway has been closed as an access route.

“Longmead Capital has told us it has introduced 24-hour security patrols, upgraded CCTV and additional measures to prevent access.

“Long Row Properties and Longmead Capital must take their responsibilities seriously and we will continue to press them to secure the building properly and bring forward a credible plan for its future.

“If they are unwilling or unable to develop it, then they should do the right thing and sell it to someone who can.

The closure order means anyone entering the empty property is deemed to be committing a serious offence and will likely face prosecution and a significant fine.

A spokesperson for Longmead Capital said: “We’re working closely with the council and Nottinghamshire Police and have called for a meeting of neighbouring property owners and occupiers to find a solution.

“People have been accessing the roof by climbing across nearby and adjacent buildings, so it’s important we tackle this collectively.”

The company said it was working closely with police and had called for a meeting of neighbouring property owners and occupiers.

It also warned that anyone climbing on to the vacant property was trespassing and putting themselves at serious risk.