Boots responds to news that its flagship York store is set to be demolished

Boots says it is ‘committed to retaining our presence in the city centre’ after its flagship York store is demolished.

Most of the Boots building at 43 Coney Street will be torn down under ambitious plans to revitalise Coney Street unveiled by the Helmsley Group at the end of last year.

It is one of a number of huge changes under the Coney Street Riverside scheme, outlined in detail by YorkMix earlier this month.

Boots before and after

Now Boots has responded to planned changes.

A spokesperson said: “We’re committed to retaining our presence in the city centre.

“The lease on our Coney Road store is due to end later this year, and we are in the process of reviewing alternative options.

“As we have continued to do, we will keep our team members and customers informed throughout this process.”

The Art Deco building which is home to Next is also planned for remodelling under the riverside scheme, with retail staying on the ground floor but student flats above.

A Next spokesperson told the York Press: “Next is in the process of agreeing a relatively short lease extension with the landlord, who I gather wishes to re-develop the site thereafter.”

The Helmsley Group says it is working with retailers on Coney Street and will work with any tenants who wish to stay on the street.

Its plans will be considered by City of York Council later this year. You can read them and comment here.