One of the most prominent commercial buildings in York city centre has gone on the market for £5.5 million.
Number 48 Coney Street is up for sale, and could become a restaurant with holiday lets above.
It used to house the shop TK Maxx.
The ground floor retail unit has been empty since TK Maxx left in 2022.
The retailer moved out to make way for a Hard Rock Café and bar. The iconic brand was set to move in after being wooed by York-based property development company North Star, who also planned to create an aparthotel above.
The company said at the time that signing the famous rock’n’roll brand would kick-start the regeneration of the city’s high street through the creation of more than 75 jobs.
However, it was revealed in February that the Hard Rock Café had pulled out of the deal. It followed a challenging year for North Star as a number of its high profile developments – including the Roman Quarter on Rougier Street, and the Fibbers site – fell through.
At the time, North Star said: “We are proceeding with the development of the aparthotel and working with a number of interested parties for the ground floor and basement.
“We will be announcing the chosen operators for the building in the coming weeks.”
Now, though, the building is up for sale. It is owned by Harrowells (No 221) Ltd, registered at Moorgate House, Clifton Moor Gate, York, who bought it for £4 million in August 2021.
Although it shares its name with Harrowells Solicitors, it is a separate company, with directors who are connected to North Star. Harrowells Solicitors have no legal interest in the building.
It is being marketed by the Manchester-based Landwood Group.
The Grade II listed building has four floors and a basement, with frontages on both Market Street and Coney Street.
Details say: “We understand that the property has extant planning permission for the conversion of existing retail unit to restaurant and shop at ground and basement level, and change of use of upper floors from retail to a 64 key aparthotel.
“There is also listed building consent for internal and external alterations with change of use and provision for additional storey on roof.
“The property is being sold with vacant possession. However, we do have forthcoming enquiries from a number of hotel operators which would be of interest to any purchaser.”
The rateable value for the property is £277,500.
You can find out more on the Landwood Group website.
This article was amended to make it clear that Harrowells Solicitors have no legal interest in the building