Colchester ‘Eyesore’ Debenhams unit transformed into gallery

Creative Colchester has announced its new “Culture for Everyone” programme, aimed at bringing arts and culture into everyday public spaces across the city.

As part of the scheme, the vacant former Debenhams store in Culver Square has been transformed into a rotating exhibition space for artists and collectives.

The art installation in the former Debenhams building (Image: Jayne Lloyd)

The building has remained empty for more than four years and has become a frequent source of frustration among shoppers and residents concerned about the state of the city centre.

The first exhibition has been curated by the Colchester Art Society and the Minories Art Collective.

The Debenhams window is now an art exhibition (Image: Jayne Lloyd)

The project was developed with support from Colchester MP Pam Cox, who helped facilitate discussions between Creative Colchester and Culver Square’s new owners, Khalbros.

Ms Cox said: “It is brilliant to see the work of the high street task forces bear fruit.

“It is wonderful that the new owner of Culver Square shares my pride in the city and that he welcomed collaboration with Creative Colchester and Colchester Institute.”

Culver Square manager David Robertson said the initiative would help create a more welcoming city centre.

“We’re delighted to support Creative Colchester and the Culture for Everyone initiative as part of our plans for Culver Square,” he said.

“Bringing art and culture into public spaces is a great way to make the city centre feel more welcoming, creative and engaging for everyone.”

Students from Colchester Institute are also helping design and install the displays as part of the live project.

People have already been seeing it as a massive improvement (Image: Jayne Lloyd)

The artwork showcases local talent (Image: Jayne Lloyd)

The wider programme will also see underused venues across Colchester opened up to artists and cultural organisations needing affordable rehearsal, workshop and event space.

Venues involved in the pilot include Firstsite, Amphora, the Minories and Dragonfly Lounge.

Creative Colchester chair Joanne Ooi said the initiative was about connecting unused spaces with local creative talent.

“At its heart, the project is about connecting underutilised spaces and capacity with the extraordinary creative energy that already exists within Colchester,” she said.