Watch: YouTubers explore 'apocalyptic' interior of abandoned Debenhams store in Cork ahead of reopening
The video gives a fascinating insight into the state of the iconic building left empty for four years
The vacant interior of the former Debenhams/Roches Stores property on Cork's Patrick's Street has been broadcast to the world by a group of daring explorers on YouTube.
The iconic building, which closed in April 2020, has been been vacant after Debenhams ceased its operations in Ireland and has seen hoardings erected as recently as last December as prospective new owners Elverys Sports prepare to take over the store's renovation.
However, a group of YouTubers from the Urbandoned channel snuck into the empty site, constructed in 1927 following the destruction of the previous building in the Burning of Cork, and produced an eerier video, Cork Beo reports.
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The video was originally posted to the online video-sharing service last July by the team, who regularly post videos where they explore abandoned and derelict sites, including old theatres, mansions and, of course, stores.
In the video, the explorers enter the building, only to discover that the electricity was still on, meaning the alarm system was still fully functional and can be heard.
The young YouTubers set out on the adventure in the store's atrium, where they found signs for clothes and pay points still left hanging, creating a spooky abandoned effect.
One of the the group comments: "It's the first time I've been in a shopping centre where so much of the interior decorations have been left."
They add that the store had an "apocalyptic" atmosphere because there was "hardly any deterioration and the electricity still worked."
Next, the explorers descended the motionless escalators and looked around the old restaurant. They also took a peek at some of the office space where PCs, phones and printers still sat on the desks.
Local viewers were quick to comment on the video. One said: "I never thought I'd see a video of an abandoned place that I was inside of when it was still open. It gives such a weird feeling", while another added: "Glad to see it's coming back to life."
Former Debenhams staff occupied the building on Patrick Street after it was closed in April 2020, demanding fair redundancy terms. Their occupation of the store ended in September that year but protests continued for months afterwards.
The original plan for the store post-Debenhams was for the new owners, Elverys Sports, to move in around the start of May 2024. When the renovation is complete it will be a mixed-use retail, fashion, and hospitality space.
The hoardings were put in place on Wednesday, December 6 - the same morning that fencing went up around Bishop Lucey Park, which is also undergoing a transformation. Work recently began at the park with changes set to include a new park tower, an open plaza, and a pavilion for community events.
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