The Debenhams building has dominated Bournemouth Square since 1915 THE future face of shopping in Bournemouth town centre could be decided by an 11th hour rescue bid for Debenhams. Frasers Group, owned by Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley, revealed yesterday that it was talks over the department store chain, whose shops are currently all set to close. But it warned that discussions would have to be concluded quickly if there was to be any prospect of a rescue succeeding. However, it is not clear what a rescue would mean for Bournemouth – where the company has a large House of Fraser store not far from Debenhams, as well as a Sports Direct.