DEBENHAMS announced earlier this year that it would close its Winchester store after a rescue deal fell through, since then Chronicle readers have been sharing their ideas of how the unit could be used.

As such a prominent building on the High Street, once the retailer’s signs are taken down and the lights are turned off it will leave a huge hole in the city centre.

But what will the future be for the unit? Currently no plans have been put forward to transform the building into anything new.

However, the Chronicle has received an abundance of letters from residents sharing their ideas of what they would like to see.

A recent letter from Winchester Labour Party aired their idea of the whole of the ground floor and possibly extending upwards to become an indoor covered market.

Rachel Parker wrote to the paper and said: “My own thoughts were market traders floor, a floor with a mixture of small local businesses stalls/pods and an open-plan canteen, with several local take-away food counters/stalls. Possibly allow space for WI, crafts, Scouts and other community groups to sell and make funds to keep these groups viable.”

In a letter Kate Craig said: “My wish is for the refurbishment of Debenhams's Winchester store with the first floor for small units around the room selling cooked meals using Hampshire produce with tables and chairs in the centre of the area, and with others areas selling fresh Hampshire produce, plants and herbs, and small units of crafts, possibly with craft demonstrations in high season.

“The basement on the left side of room selling antiques, and to the right of the room selling unwanted children's toys etc to be run by volunteers on behalf of Hampshire NHS Covid-19 and cancer departments, if they agree.

“The upper floors could be made into luxury apartments, thinking of Hampshire mature people who want to buy in the town centre, with affordable housing placed out of town on good bus routes and schools.”

Donald Black suggested a combination of small enterprises and residential units, and Gill Collymore put forward the idea of a small concert hall.

Which idea would you back for the future of the Debenhams building? Vote in our poll.