Aberdeen’s former Debenhams could be transformed into a huge three-storey entertainment complex featuring electric go-karts, restaurants, a pub and potentially a bowling alley.
Fresh plans have been lodged to bring the long-empty department store at the Trinity Centre back into use more than five years after Debenhams closed its doors.
The development would turn three floors of the former store into a major leisure destination, with electric go-karting expected to be one of its main attractions.
A new planning application was validated by Aberdeen City Council on 15 September and seeks to change levels four, five and six from retail use to leisure.
The application also allows for motor vehicle recreation alongside shops, cafés, restaurants and a pub.
New drawings show how the vast former department store could be divided between different attractions and food and drink businesses.
A bowling alley is among the potential additions, although the final line-up has not yet been confirmed.
Planning documents state: “The specific mix and arrangement of uses across three levels will be finalised once potential vendors are fully signed up.”
Visitors would be able to reach the new leisure complex from the Trinity Centre’s main shopping mall as well as the lower-level car parks using lifts and escalators.
The development could finally bring one of Aberdeen city centre’s most prominent vacant retail spaces back into full use.
Debenhams was a flagship tenant when the Trinity Centre opened in 1984 and occupied a substantial part of the shopping centre until the collapse of the department store chain.
Its Aberdeen branch closed in 2021 and most of the multi-level unit has remained empty since.
Previous attempts to secure new tenants failed, but the latest proposal forms part of a wider push to reposition the Trinity Centre and increase footfall in the surrounding city centre.
The shopping centre introduced 24-hour parking in August, while separate plans for new escalators linking Guild Street with the Trinity Centre and Union Street were approved by Aberdeen City Council in June.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, described the proposals as “visionary and a major step forward”.
He said bringing the former Debenhams back into use could help regenerate Union Street and the wider city centre.
Reactivating the huge department store has previously been identified as a priority in work to attract new retail and leisure operators into central Aberdeen.
The new planning application is currently awaiting a decision from Aberdeen City Council.