From a Debenhams to a creative hub: closed stores get new lease in community life

Empty department stores are being transformed into places for young entrepreneurs and social projectsIt was once the launchpad for a national department store chain, now the former Binns site in Sunderland’s High Street West will be fostering the musical and catering talents of young people.Futureheads, Field Music, and Frankie & the Heart Strings, will kick off the first main gig at the former department store, which is being reincarnated as Pop Recs, a music and arts venue and commun