Frasers Opens at Houndshill Shopping Centre

In November 2022, Blackpool Council and Houndshill management company, Ellandi, announced Frasers Group would be the new anchor tenant for the former Debenhams store. In September 2023 work began on the store, and now it’s open!

Frasers Opens at Houndshill Blackpool

Blackpool Council and the Frasers Group opened the new store in the Houndshill Shopping Centre on Wednesday 22 November 2023. As of July 2023, only 39% of the former Debenhams vacant stores around the country had been successfully re-let. So this partnership is a remarkable achievement for Blackpool and a significant milestone at national level.

Blackpool is undergoing a significant transformation with a £2bn Growth and Prosperity Programme of investment. One of the most crucial developments was the re-letting of the former Debenhams store. The store spans over 100,000sq ft and includes a range of exciting brands, including Frasers, Flannels, Sports Direct, Game, and Evans Cycles, all under one roof.

We went to take a look a couple of days after opening and it’s a great addition to the retail mix in the town centre. With Sports Direct, Frasers and Flannels offering something for everyone across a range of discounted, mid range and expensive brands.

Work Begins on Frasers Group at Houndshill Shopping Centre

Published 25 September 2023.

In early September we spotted lights on inside the empty Debenhams unit on the ground floor of Blackpool’s Houndshill Shopping Centre. Then a week or two later new boards and signage appeared… This marked the beginning of the conversion prior to reopening the store as a new Frasers Group department store.

We went to take a look around the site from all angles, as work begins –

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Frasers Group Confirmed for Houndshill Shopping Centre

Frasers Group refurbished the space before opening Frasers prior to Christmas 2023. The department store is an aspirational retail destination in Blackpool. It houses an unrivalled range of beauty, fashion and home. Premium and contemporary accessories and childrenswear across a comprehensive mix of hundreds of brands.

The site also includes a Sports Direct store. The brand moved from it’s previous position at Bank Hey Street. Sports Direct is Europe’s biggest retailer of sports and fitness footwear, clothing, and equipment.

Frasers Group also opened a Flannels in the centre. The leading luxury retailer brings a completely new experience to the shopping destination. There you can enjoy the very best brands in luxury fashion.

Exciting Times at Houndshill Shopping Centre

Blackpool Council acquired the shopping centre in 2019. The Council is committed to maximising its impact as a catalyst for town centre regeneration. It’s a key part of its strategy to aid the town’s post-pandemic recovery.

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Construction of a second phase is now complete. It includes an IMAX and multi-screen cinema and new restaurant. Plus what was to be a new Wilko store (still awaiting a tenant). More than 100 new jobs are expected to be created. It will attract an additional 1.2m residents and visitors to the shopping centre each year.

Cllr Lynn Williams is Leader of Blackpool Council. She said the Frasers deal is “an enormously significant moment” for the town centre.

She added: “After the closure of Debenhams on 8 May 2021, we were determined to find the right replacement anchor tenant. One that would have a hugely positive impact on the Houndshill. And match our ambitions for the rejuvenation of the wider town centre. Our patience and perseverance has paid off. Frasers group has compelling national brands that will form a vital new anchor. It will cement our place as a regional shopping destination.”

Mark Robinson is co-founder of Ellandi and Chair of the national High Street Task Force. He said: “We’re delighted to secure a brand-new Frasers and Flannels for Blackpool town centre. These are leading aspirational brands that will help redefine the town centre retail offer for residents and tourists.”

Good News for the M&S Unit

Along with Frasers Group confirmed for Houndshill Shopping Centre, Blackpool Council made another announcement. They have also acquired the building occupied by Marks & Spencer in Blackpool town centre. It has entrances on both Church Street and Victoria Street, just a few yards away from the Houndshill.

The Council say this is a “strategic acquisition”. The building is in a prime location , important in the ongoing revitalisation of the town centre. M&S will continue to trade from the store.