Changes planned for two key York streets would see both a new shop move in and six apartments built above.
York property developers the Helmsley Group want to turn the empty upper floors of a property in High Ousegate into residential accommodation.
And the scheme would see a shop front demolished on Coppergate to create room for a staircase to the apartments.
The plans are for numbers 24-25 High Ousegate. The ground floor is currently occupied by Card Factory, but it is due to move out.
A spokesperson for Helmsley Group said: “With current occupant Card Factory nearing the end of its lease, Helmsley Group is in talks with potential future tenants.”
Meanwhile it has submitted a scheme to City of York Council which would include:
- creating six one-bedroom apartments above the ground floor shop
- demolishing the 20th century shopfront of 9 Coppergate to create a stairway to the flats
- creating a communal south-facing roof terrace for residents
- including a ‘ghost sign’ artwork on the exposed wall.
That ghost sign would reference “the longest standing former occupant of neighbouring 22-24 High Ousegate, chemist and druggist ‘Brown and Co’”.
Built in the 19th century, the property was always intended to have a commercial ground floor with residential above.
The plan follows another scheme submitted by Helmsley Group for the conversion of three holiday lets on York’s Spurriergate into permanent homes.
Tom Riddolls, development surveyor at Helmsley Group, said: “There is so much potential at city centre locations such as this to bring much needed and unused space back to life, returning the property to its originally intended use for the first time in more than a century.
“Our plans will preserve the history of the building while sensitively enhancing the street scene along Coppergate for the benefit of visitors and residents alike.”
Director Max Reeves added: “Helmsley Group has a strong track record of residential development in York, including the recent conversion of The Old Fire Station and numerous other city centre residential schemes, unlocking numerous benefits for the city and local economy.
“We are acutely aware of York’s historical significance and keen to restore the property to its original mixture of commercial and residential use, preserving the building and surrounding area to be enjoyed by future generations.”