THE high street retailer Debenhams was once poised to move to Darlington - bringing with it about 200 full and part-time jobs.

After this week's revelation that the retailer looks set to close all stores for good, we're taking a look back at what happened to its Darlington plans.

Back in July 2011, it was revealed that Debenhams was eyeing up The Northern Echo's offices on Priestgate with a total transformation of the four-storey building.

At the time Debenhams said it was proposing to move into the site, connected to The Cornmill Centre, with an expected opening date as early as 2014.

Darlington shoppers see what's in store for Debenhams

Ahead of consultations, Debenhams promised to overhaul the interiors of the Echo building while only subtle changes would be made to its exterior.

It would have become the largest retail outlet in The Cornmill Centre joining the likes of Primark, Next, New Look, Topshop and WH Smith.

By October 2012, the wheels had been set in motion for Debenhams to effectively get the keys to the site - with a delayed opening date of either late 2015 or spring 2016.

Confirming a deal had been struck between Moorfield Real Estate Fund, who also own the Cornmill, Debenhams officially named Darlington among 17 new openings in the next five years.

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At the time business for the retailer was well and truly booming, it had just celebrated a 4.2 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £158.3m in the year to September 1.

While there was a massive 39.8 per cent rise in online sales to £250.6m in the year, prompting it to increase its target to £600m.

But between this time and late 2013, rumours quickly spread that Debenhams' big move to the town may not go ahead.

And in a massive blow to the town, the retailer suddenly pulled out of all plans to come to Darlington despite promising negotiations with developers.

Developer's disappointment over Debenhams decision

In October 2013, it was officially confirmed that Debenhams no longer had "immediate plans" to move to the town.

As the news broke, Mark Holmes of Moorfield Group, responded saying that the group was "naturally disappointed" in the decision.

He said: “We are naturally disappointed that after a long period of negotiation with Debenhams, they are not currently in a position to commit to Darlington."

Despite leaving room for suggestion that Debenhams could one day restart plans, the retailer made no further announcements.

But it has not been all doom and gloom, since then a number of new retailers have been attracted to the town, while some have relocated into bigger premises.

In a positive boost for Darlington, Sports Direct, USC and Flannels have moved into the former TK Maxx unit on Crown Street in 2017.

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Meanwhile, a number of retailers have moved into the DL1 Complex, formerly known as Feethams, with the likes of Tomahawk and Greene King's Hungry Horse setting up shop.

What's happening to Debenhams now?

The future of Debenhams sadly hangs in the balance with the potential loss of about 12,000 workers across the UK.

In a most recent update it was confirmed JD Sports had pulled out of a possible rescue deal, believed to be linked to the administration of Arcadia Group - the biggest operator of concessions within Debenhams stores.

Debenhams set to close all stores for good after starting liquidation process