By Pam McClounie City centre reporter

Last updated at 12:15, Thursday, 10 May 2012

A major refurbishment of Debenhams in Carlisle begins this month.

Debenhams, Carlisle

The national chain, which opened in the city in 2000, is having its first major overhaul in 12 years.

New brands – including Ted Baker lingerie, Nautica, Phase Eight, Urban Decay and Art Deco – will be brought into the department store in The Lanes.

Ross Lockhart, store manager, described the makeover as “exciting news” for the city.

He said: “It is an overall store modernisation and there are some great things happening.

“The big things will be the Castle View restaurant – which has one of the best views in Carlisle and the cosmetics department on the ground floor.

“We will be getting some new brands in too.”

News of the revamp comes after Hoopers department store, on Castle Street, announced it was facing closure next month following six-figure losses.

The owners are in talks with other national chain stores to try and sell the building and possibly employ some of the 83 staff.

Debenhams refurbishment will begin on May 28 and finish around the end of August.

Mr Lockhart, who has been manager for 17 months, added: “We will have a big relaunch of the whole store in July. The store will not be closed at any point during the modernisation.

“From a store point of view it’s great to get an investment. It’s very exciting for me and the staff.

“We’re confident customers are going to love the new and improved store.”

Debenhams opened in Carlisle in October 2000 as the centrepiece of a £30 million extension to the Lanes. It is the largest department store in the city and employs 180 people.

The chain, which has a branch in Workington, opens another in Dumfries this month in the former TJ Hughes store.

First published at 11:28, Thursday, 10 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk