A York shop is to close – and the building’s owners hope it might reopen as a café.
The EE shop has served notice to leave its premises on Coney Street, next to Clinton’s Cards.
It is planning to move into bigger premises on Parliament Street, in the former TUI store. EE and BT have said they would reopen their shops on 15 June, on the day non-essential retail returns in the UK.
By contrast Virgin Media has said it will not reopen any of its stores, and go online only.
Planning documents submitted to City of York Council show that there are speculative plans for the Coney Street premises.
Retailers aren’t interested
The unit is owned by property management company Rose Portfolio Limited.
It covers 3,724 sq ft of space on the ground floor and basement levels.
Under an application submitted on its behalf by Tellon Capital, the owner seeks permission to expand its possible future use from retail to café / restaurant.
Tellon Capital says there has been limited interest from retail clients in the Grade II listed property so far.
The documents state: “The unit has a modern interior with no visible heritage features at ground level or in the basement.
“The historic features of the building are predominantly located on the exterior of the front elevation which would not be altered by the proposed change of use.
“There is very little heritage value inside the unit. The proposed change of use seeks to ensure the future occupation and beneficial use of the historic building.”
You can see the planning application, and comment, here.