Ropemaker Properties, the owners of the former Debenhams store, have announced that the major town centre site is to be put on the market.

The North Street department store has been vacant for four years, since Debenhams closed its doors for the last time in May 2021.

The decision to begin marketing the building for sale follows discussions between Ropemaker and local stakeholders arranged by Taunton MP Gideon Amos, with the aim of bringing the site back into use.

A spokesperson for Ropemaker Properties said: “We know that this site has been left empty for too long, and all of us want to see it brought back into use as soon as possible.

“After reviewing our options, we have concluded that the best and quickest way to do this is to sell the building to a developer or operator with the expertise to move quickly to secure the future of the site.”

A marketing campaign is to begin in July, led by the Taunton office of property agent Alder King.

Andrew Maynard, Partner at Alder King, said:

“Although the commercial property market remains challenging, this building’s enviable town centre location combined with Taunton’s ambitious regeneration plans, means we are confident of finding a suitable buyer for this high-profile site.”

Gideon Amos MP welcomed this step to bring the former Debenhams building back into use.

He said: “I made clear at the meeting I arranged with Ropemaker that Taunton wants to see this key building brought back into use as soon as possible.

“I’m grateful to them for looking again at all the options.

"Their decision now to market the building for sale provides a great opportunity for an investor whether in the private or public sector or indeed a partnership working together, to bring it back to life.

"I, and particularly our local LibDem councillors, are working hard to bring more investment to our town centre, including the completion of new buildings at Coal Orchard, work going full steam ahead at Firepool, new public loos, the refurbishment of the bus station starting soon, floral displays throughout and more marshals and police officers on the beat.

"But I'm determined to get more investment into Taunton including at this important site for our town centre."