The long-empty section of the former BHS store in York will soon be occupied again.
This is the unit on Feasegate has been empty ever since the BHS chain collapsed in 2016.
The huge building was bought by the Frasers Group in 2016. Its brands include Sports Direct – and a branch has long operated on the Coney Street side, while another shop in the group, Flannels, opened on the New Street side.
Originally, the Feasegate unit was earmarked for another Frasers Group brand, Evans Cycles, but that was later dropped.
Now, though, a planning application has been submitted to City of York Council for the unit.
The plans reveal it is due to become a branch of Howden Insurance.
Based in Oxfordshire, the insurance brokers has more than 100 branches across the country. The nearest branch to York at the moment is Harrogate.
A Howden Insurance spokesperson said: “As a local insurance broker, we’re focused on helping our clients get the right advice, great value and dedicated, friendly support when needed.”
The planning application is asking permission for new signs on the front of the unit.
It is good news for Feasegate which has struggled in recent years. It still has a number of empty shops. Café Patisserie Valerie was the latest to close after Christmas.
You can read and comment on the planning application here.