Plans for historic building get the go-ahead

Plans for development at a historic York department store have been approved.The proposals, brought forward by a partnership between Oakgate Group and Barnitts, cover the transformation of the former Drill Hall building on St Andrewgate, into ten townhouses and two apartments, retaining the current commercial unit on Kings Square.The City of York Council Area Planning Committee has approved the planning application, with a decision previously deferred in November 2020 to allow further viability work to take place. The decision is set to support investment in the city centre and a planned ‘click and collect store’ on James Street. This will ensure that the famous store can continue to meet customers’ changing needs and tackle challenges heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Drill Hall was previously used by the Territorial Army. It was bought by Barnitts about 25 years ago and converted into retail space.