THE transformation of the former Debenhams building into a trendy food hall is well underway with the first section set to open soon.

Artisan Food Hall Worcester has revealed it hopes to open the ground floor and basement of the former department store by April or May.

It has revealed all the exciting details for the four-floor landmark building which will include live music, a farmers' market and vintage clothing stalls.

There could even potentially be a skyline bar and secret speakeasy on the top floor with views across Worcester's rooftops.

General manager Jack Hannam said they were keen to hear from people who own food and retail businesses in the city.

"What we want is for the people of Worcester to come to us and say what they want to go here.

"Once open we want people to spend five, six, seven hours here. It will be a destination place to come and spend time shopping, eating or listening to live music.

"We are open to having a local distillery or coffee roaster on site.

"On the first floor we might have a cooking school with local college students serving to the public.

"We are trying to work with the local community."

The ground floor, which has an entrance from Crowngate, will be a farmers' market selling local produce while the entrance from High Street will be more of a lounge.

Mr Hannah said: "It will be a bit like out Vinyl Lounge in Hull which has food and drink offerings and live music.

"You usually can't get a seat in that section at the weekend because it is so popular.

"I've spoken to quite a few businesses who are interested in coming here and the food is really on point in Worcester - they've nailed it."

The basement section, previously men's clothing, will be a retail space for small businesses that sell products such as vintage clothing, retro furniture and zero waste products.

"We definitely want to create and thriving space with the hustle and bustle of a market."

Plans for top floors of former Debenhams on Worcester's High Street

The first floor will have a canteen featuring eight to ten local food and beverage businesses which will be open from Thursday to Sunday.

Artisan Food Hall Worcester hopes to open it in June.

Plans are still being decided for the top floor of the building which used to house the department store's cafe and children's department.

Worcester News: A farmers' market will set up on the ground floor by the Crowngate entrance.A farmers' market will set up on the ground floor by the Crowngate entrance.

Potentially it could be transformed into a skyline bar and events space with talks about transforming a former stock room into a secret speakeasy.

The third floor will be the final to open in the summer with all building work completed before the first section opens in the spring.

Mr Hannam invited interested businesses to get in touch with him to potentially visit the site on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

To get in touch, email jack.hannam@hohfoodhall.co.uk.