An empty store in York has a new smart look – improving the look of one of the city’s key shopping streets.
The former Debenhams store on Davygate has been empty for several years, and its exterior had deteriorated badly.
But it’s undergone a clean and colourful makeover, thanks to the York BID (Business Improvement District).
One of the BID’s remits is to enhance the appearance of York city centre, and it has wrapped a number of empty shops.
Debenhams is its biggest such project yet.
Carl Alsop, York BID operations manager, said: “We’re always looking for ways to improve the streets of York.
“With the kind cooperation of the landlord, we’re delighted to have transformed the old Debenhams from what had become an eyesore into something eye-catching.
“It was a particular pleasure to work on this shop, given it was the location of our lockdown Christmas transformation.”
For Christmas 2020, the BID transformed the Debenhams store windows into a magical storybook world.
Called Fantastic Fiction, the initiative saw scenes from Alice In Wonderland, Aladdin and other childhood favourites recreated with the help of Wetherby company Event Prop Hire.
The shop wrap will remain in place while work goes on to transform the building into the new home for jeweller Mappin & Webb.
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