WORK will begin within a few weeks to transform a former department store into an artisanal food hall according to developers.

The new foodhall and farmer's market is where Debenham's used to be before its closure in January of this year.

Hammonds of Hull are working alongside Artisan Food Hall Limited to bring their 'unique dining experience' to the city.

The two companies have been working on a similar project in Hull after taking over the former House of Fraser department store.

A spokesman at the Hammonds of Hull food hall development team said: "The same team behind the 60,000 sq.ft artisan food hall and organic farmers market at Hammonds of Hull are excited to have started their transformation of the ex Debenhams store on Worcester high street.

"Further information will follow shortly but we will be looking to connect with all the local operators, producers, farmers, growers , makers and creators, to partner us on this exciting journey."

The nine-month construction works to transform the High Street department store should begin within two to three weeks.

Once finished the store is expected to house an artisanal food hall and community-led farmers market over three or four floors which will also include music, arts and creative spaces.

Eann Ramsey-Smith, Project Manager, added: “The High Street is undergoing major changes, with the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating huge shifts in the way people shop.

"The food hall platform offers local producers the ability to plug and play, creating a diverse offer at each location, where our focus is on the local supply chain, local labour, zero waste, local partnerships and the ability to create a vibrant community in our buildings.

"We’re developing a unique concept of Artisan Food Halls, which focus on visual production.

"Combining food retail, hospitality and culture, all of our food halls will be independent and completely unique; we don't have a cookie-cutter approach."