An inspection of the hoarding surrounding Nuneaton’s former Debenhams building has shown that a familiar element has disappeared. The demolition work at the former department store began on April 13. The entire structure, along both the Bridge Street and Newdegate Street sides, has been enclosed by boarding. The former main entrance adjacent to the George Eliot statue has also been enclosed. A look through the hoarding revealed that the steps leading into the store have been taken out. Additionally, the former cosmetics and fragrance counters, which welcomed shoppers upon entry, have been removed. The entire front section has been cleared extending to where the staircase once led customers to the first floor, which housed the cafe, children’s clothing and home departments. Only certain portions of the original building are being dismantled as part of the regeneration project. The development will ultimately feature 63 new apartments comprising one, two and three-bedroom residences. There will also be retail space intended to “re-activate” Bridge Street and Newdegate Street. Plans also include improving the section of the River Anker that runs through part of the site. One element from the building’s history will be preserved for residents – the notable ‘JC Smiths’ facade will remain standing. Historical records indicate that J.C. Smith’s Nuneaton location opened its doors in 1914, and no.5 Bridge Street was constructed between 1914-15, serving as the business’s first purpose-built retail location. Debenhams then purchased J.C. Smith & Son in 1929, though the Smith family continued operating the Nuneaton locations until full integration with Debenhams in 1965. Nuneaton now operates its own WhatsApp community delivering the latest updates from Nuneaton and Bedworth directly to mobile devices.