A new supermarket is set to open in York.
Sainsbury has revealed plans to open a branch on Davygate in the city centre.
The supermarket giant wants to open another of its Sainsbury’s Local stores in the unit previously occupied by French Connection.
A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman told YorkMix: “We recently exchanged contracts on the former French Connection store on Davygate, York and are now in the process of applying for planning and an alcohol licence.
“If planning goes through we hope to open early next year.”
The store is expected to create around 30 jobs.
A 13th store
It is applying to City of York Council for permission to change the signage on the shop.
The plans suggest the trading area of 318 sq m will include the ground floor and the mezzanine floor, and that the store would open from 7am to 11pm.
Sainsbury also wants to replace the existing double doors with a single sliding automatic door.
Sainsbury’s property director Patrick Dunne – who is a York man himself – said: “We’re excited about our plans to open a new store in York in 2021.
“This convenience store will not only offer customers great quality food at competitive prices but will boost the local economy and create local jobs.
“We will continue to keep the community updated on our plans.”
Planning documents state: “The proposed works will retain the character and general appearance of the shopfront, providing Sainsbury’s branding on the unit.
“This will enable the reoccupation of the vacant unit, at a time when investment in city centres should be encouraged.”
French Connection closed its Davygate store in June 2019.
Sainbury’s Local branches are already operating on Piccadilly, Micklegate and Bootham in the city centre.
Including suburban shops and its big supermarkets at Monks Cross and Foss Bank, the retailer has 12 outlets already open in York.