A MULTI-million pound plan to create more than 600 new homes at the former Debenhams site has been welcomed by people across Southampton.

The former department store off Queensway could be torn down if new plans lodged with the city council are given the green light.

A proposal has been made to build three new blocks between six and 17 storeys high.

The development, submitted by Southampton Estates Ltd, will create a total of 614 apartments.

The scheme would also feature town houses and ground flood commercial units.

Business people and councillors have so far praised the potential overhaul at the city centre site.

Some even claim the current run-down state of the once popular department store has been bad for trade.

Orhan Sevincli , the director of Artsy Longue, a new restaurant directly opposite the site, said the development “can’t come soon enough”.

He told the Daily Echo: “Business has been affected badly, the area is looking empty and it’s very dark.

“People don’t want to walk down the street because there is little light.

“If you come to Southampton and you are looking directly at [Debenhams], you also have the current works at Bargate and it doesn’t look [inviting].

“The apartments would be good and we are pleased to hear of the plans.

“It can’t come soon enough.”

Bargate ward councillors are also in support of the scheme.

Cllr John Noon told the Daily Echo: “Though disappointed to see Debenhams store close and felt it was a loss to Southampton, I do welcome this new development for long term rented accommodation but do hope at least a third is for affordable rent with some suitable for families, which I feel there is a very strong need for.

“I believe this development will bring new life to the commercial units at Hanover Buildings and East Street and help to ensure they are commercially viable well into the future.”

Cllr Darren Paffey added: “I welcome this development that, along with the Bargate Quarter, adds to the growing residential community here in the city centre.

“It looks like good quality homes for people and should be a great place to live, so close to the parks, shops, and other amenities.”

Cllr Sarah Bogle said she believes the development would be “positive” for the area.

“I am pleased that there is affordable housing in this scheme, something that is desperately needed in the city,” she said.

There are four potential options that have been submitted as part of the plans.

Option one proposes retention of the existing building as a retail outlet, option two suggests facade retention and conversion of the existing building to residential led uses including 214 homes, and option three details facade retention and extension of the existing building to residential led uses including 515 homes.

Option four proposes the demolition of the existing building.

It would then be replaced by a new build residential-led development in three separate buildings with parking and utilities below ground at basement level and landscaped courtyards and public realm at ground level.

The site was initially redeveloped in the 1950s and operated as Edwin Jones until 1973.

It was then re-branded as Debenhams and traded until last year when it closed following the company’s collapse.