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Search the Public Notice Portal A new city centre retail space could be on the cards after plans were lodged to separate part of a popular York store to create a new unit.
Barnitts has unveiled plans to separate off part of its shop that opens onto 28A Colliergate and the attached former Drill Hall on St Andrewgate.
The family-owned hardware, homeware and department store would continue to operate as usual from 24-26 Colliergate while the separated-off space could be marketed as a standalone retail unit.
Long-established Barnitts would continue to operate as usual while the former Drill Hall could become a new retail unit.
(Image: The Press)
The Drill Hall was previously used by the Territorial Army until it was bought by Barnitts in 1995 and converted into retail space.
As The Press reported in 2021, the family firm and Oakgate Group wanted to turn the former Drill Hall building and part of the current shop into 10 townhouses and two apartments.
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However, changes in the development market and construction costs during the two-year period it took to secure consent for the relevant applications meant those plans did not come to fruition.
An artists’ impression of the previous proposed development at Barnitts.
(Image: Image: Barnitts and Oakland)
A new report from the applicant to City of York Council said: "Changes in retailing, stock management and supply arrangements mean that the business no longer requires the same level of ancillary storage and operational floorspace.
"The proposed separation works will establish the former Drill Hall and No. 28A as a self-contained shell unit, capable of being marketed independently and adapted through a future tenant or purchaser fitout.
"The works will also reinstate the historic building demise evident on the 1895 mapping, while allowing the retained Barnitts premises to continue operating independently.
"This approach provides a more flexible and deliverable basis for securing the long-term occupation and beneficial use of this part of the cluster of listed buildings that form the current Barnitts Store."
The application site comprises Grade II listed buildings within York’s Central Conservation Area.
Barnitts on Colliergate.
(Image: The Press)
No works would be carried out to the exterior of the Grade II listed building and existing windows along the proposed separation boundary would be retained.
The Drill Hall on St Andrewgate.
(Image: Image: planning documents)
The report states that early talks with the council had confirmed that planning permission would not be required for the proposed works, as there was no change of use, no increase in floor space, and no external alterations to the principal elevations of the listed buildings.
Barnitts began trading in York more than a century ago.
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