Debenhams on the way to town

Major department store Debenhams is planning to move into the Slingfield Mill premises at Kidderminster's showpiece £60 million Weavers Wharf complex.

Multi-million pound plans have been drawn-up to transform the five-storey grade II listed former carpet mill into a department store and hotel, a move which is expected to create 100 jobs.

The plan will breathe new life into the historic building and help transform Kidderminster into a significant shopping area.

Henderson Global Investors said the chain store had signed a 15-year lease.

Applications for planning permission and listed building consent for alterations to the 139-year-old building have been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council.

The news has been welcomed by civic leaders who believe it will boost trade elsewhere in the town.

Councillor Stephen Clee, Wyre Forest District Council member for planning, regeneration and prosperity, said: "This milestone in the town's development should help to draw more trade to the whole town and will have wider benefits for the area." Work on the building is expected to begin as soon as possible and is set to take about nine months to complete. Officials said the work would involve meticulous conservation and repair of the original features of the property.

The proposals will include a contemporary two-storey glass box extension to the front and rear elevations of the building, helping to flood natural light into the interior. The De Bradelei Mill store at Slingfield Mill was unveiled in 2003 as the jewel in the crown of the Weavers Wharf retail park. It was forced to close when parent company, De Bradelei, went into administration in December 2005 causing 50 job losses.

But shoe company Pavers and Leading Labels decided to reopen their sections of the store. They occupy part of the ground-floor but the upper floors have been lying empty since January 2006. It is understood both shops have short-term leases and would look at relocating.