The proposal is brought forward by Claridge Architects on behalf of Yaelwood Ltd, a company understood to be involved with the letting and operating of real estate.
It is not the first time the company’s name has been linked to the premises in Market Place.
In July, an enforcement notice was sent to the previous occupiers of the basement and ground floors of 56-72 (even numbers) Market Place on behalf of Yaelwood Ltd.
According to the enforcement documents, the company is the owner of the retail space.
Debenhams was first known in Romford in March 1973, having previously merged with a local store named Stone’s in 1963.
In May 2021, the Romford branch was among more than 100 other shops that were shut for good after the brand entered into administration in 2019 and 2020.
It was then leased to become Aklu Plaza shopping mall, before becoming Home Store which shut earlier this year.
It has recently reopened as Factory Outlet.
A website has been set up with details of the planning consultation, outlining plans for a new family living development in Market Place to replace the building.
Claridge Architects state that the site has seen “a number of temporary uses over recent years” that have not “fully unlocked its potential”.
The consultation has been named Swan Walk and proposes to introduce 154 apartments to the area, 88 of which are intended to be family-sized homes.
An 108-room hotel also features in the plans, with more than 2,000 sqm of new retail space along Market Place and Swan Walk, and more than 900 sqm of outdoor amenity for residents.
New planting and “active” commercial frontages are envisaged for Market Place and Swan Walk to go alongside the open marketplace.
To facilitate the redevelopment, the former Debenhams store would be “removed”.
READ MORE: ‘Landmark’ 25-storey tower scheme could put 800 homes on shopping centre site
Claridge Architects has written on behalf of Yaelwood Ltd: “Our vision is to transform this prominent location into a lively, safe, and sustainable destination – a place where people can live, meet, and enjoy a renewed town centre environment.
“This forward-looking scheme will not only deliver much-needed new homes and a hotel but also create inviting public spaces designed to bring people together and strengthen the sense of community.”
A public drop-in consultation is set to take place between 10am and 2pm on October 24 and October 25 inside Hope Cafe, 80-84 Market Place.
