A York store is set to move out-of-town after failing to secure a city centre location.
Go Outdoors has traded for many years at Foss Bank, next to Sainbury’s. But it has to move out.
“Go Outdoors currently trades from a retail warehouse on Foss Bank within the defined city centre, a site shared with a Sainsbury superstore,” a City of York Council report says.
“The relocation is required as the lease of the existing premises is shortly to expire and the landlord has indicated that the premises is no longer available them.”
It has searched for suitable city centre alternatives.
Places of the right size were identified – including the former Debenhams in Davygate, the former Top Shop in the Coppergate Centre, and a unit in the basement of Stonebow House.
“The internal layout of each is however difficult to configure to suit the business model of the applicant and they are physically remote from car parking which is of importance to a retailer needing a bulky goods capacity,” the report says.
It now proposes to move to the former Argos building on Hurricane Way, Clifton Moor – but is applying for permission for a 1,366 sq metre extension to the mezzanine floor.
Planning officers are recommending that the application is approved, subject to at least 12 short stay cycle spaces and six secure parking spaces at the site.
The report says: “In view of the additional footfall to be generated by the mezzanine and the ability of many of the items on sale to be transported sustainably by bicycle it is recommended that any permission be conditioned to require further cycle parking provision.”
Members of the area planning sub-committee will consider the proposal at a meeting next Thursday (10 March).
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