Bangor’s city centre burst back into life on Saturday as the Trade Outlet officially opened its doors inside the former Debenhams building at the Menai Centre.

The long-vacant department store, which closed in 2021 following the retailer’s nationwide collapse, has now been reborn as a thriving discount retail destination – and the crowds came out in force to celebrate.

Hundreds of eager shoppers queued up at the tills of the new Trade Outlet Bangor store, keen to be among the first to snap up opening-day bargains. The event marked a major milestone in the transformation of this once-silent building into a busy retail hub.

From Vacant Store to Vibrant Hub

After standing empty for four years, the vast 60,000 sq ft Debenhams unit is now being revitalised by the Frugal Spaces tea.

The building is home to two core brands, Frugal clothing and Trade Outlet discount goods, alongside a range of flexible business spaces designed for local entrepreneurs.

And now, with the main retail area bustling once again and new opportunities are opening up for local entrepreneurs and start-ups with retail and office space to rent, and attention is turning to another exciting element of the project: the reopening of the café space.

Café Space

At the front of the Menai Centre, overlooking Bangor’s main pedestrian route, a spacious café and restaurant unit is now available to rent.

This partially fitted, 1,700 sq ft space offers a rare opportunity for a food or drink operator to tap into the growing footfall generated by the newly opened Trade Outlet store.

Features include:

  • A bright floor-to-ceiling glass frontage with views across the city.
  • A fully equipped serving area with chilled display units.
  • A dedicated kitchen and food preparation area, pre-wired for commercial ovens and appliances.
  • Additional storage and cold-room access in the basement.
  • A ready-to-use layout, allowing a new café or coffee shop to open quickly and easily.

Available for £920 + VAT per month, this café unit combines visibility, convenience, and value – making it an ideal base for a new or expanding hospitality business.

The Frugal Spaces team is seeking a visionary café operator who can build on the buzz already created by Trade Outlet’s opening, developing a venue that could become Bangor’s go-to breakfast spot, a thriving artisan coffee hub, or a welcoming lunch stop for locals and visitors alike.

Simple Setup, No Hidden Costs

Running a business at the Menai Centre couldn’t be easier. Every space comes with:

  • Electricity and fast internet access included.
  • No separate contracts for utilities or waste disposal.
  • One simple, all-inclusive monthly direct debit – no business rates or extra charges.
  • Flexible digital licence agreements – no solicitor or deposit required.
  • Individually lockable units for added security.

This simplified approach means businesses can get up and running fast – without the delays or complications of traditional leases.

Breathing New Life into Bangor

The reopening of the Debenhams building marks a turning point for Bangor. Once a symbol of retail decline, the Menai Centre is fast becoming a showcase for local enterprise, affordable shopping, and community regeneration.

With Trade Outlet likely to draw strong daily footfall and the café unit poised to reopen, the Frugal Spaces team believes this development will spark a wider revival across the city centre.

Find Out More

For details on available spaces, visit frugalspaces.co.uk
To learn more about Trade Outlet and explore current offers, visit tradeoutlet.shop