A European retailer is to move into this landmark York building, it was revealed today (Monday).
Danish homewares store Søstrene Grene is set to move into Ousegate House on Nessgate.
Owners the Helmsley Group had originally won planning permission to turn the ground floor, rebranded the Coach House, into a restaurant or bar.
However, plans to bring bar chain The Alchemist to the building were scuppered due to the licensing conditions imposed by York council.
There will be no such problems for Søstrene Grene.
It is expanding quickly in the UK, with “its affordable ranges of contemporary interiors, hobby items, children’s toys, soft furniture and more proving popular with people of all ages,” the Helmsley Group said.
Founded in 1973, and with a further pipeline of openings planned, it will boast more than 270 stores across Europe by the autumn. Branches have opened recently in Manchester and London.
Hundreds of shoppers queued from 7am to get into the Sheffield store when it opened on Friday.
The store will take almost 5,000 sq ft of open-plan floor space at The Coach House, which was once home to the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Chief executive and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, Mikkel Grene, said: “We are delighted to be opening our newest store in York, which is a perfect fit for Søstrene Grene.
“We have been wanting to trade in York for a while and we wish to contribute with a completely new shopping experience for the local customers and add some traditional Danish ‘hygge’ to their lives.”
Tom Riddolls, development surveyor at Helmsley Group, said: “The Coach House’s offer is perfect for a modern retailer of this type and, with its location in a high footfall area, we are extremely confident that Søstrene Grene will quickly establish itself as one of York’s most popular names.
“This is another positive addition to Coney Street and its neighbouring areas and complements our exciting vision to revitalise this part of the city centre, including opening up the riverfront for the enjoyment of all.”
Jonathan Cooper, UK joint venture partner at Søstrene Grene, said: “We’re so excited to be opening our first store in York. The Coach House is the perfect location for our brand to introduce its affordable price points, aesthetic designs and unique shopping experience to the people of York.”
Pudney Shuttleworth and Reesdenton are joint agents at The Coach House.
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