North Yorkshire Council has approved a plan to subdivide the former Rackhams department store in Skipton into four individual shop units.
The Grade II-listed building has stood empty since 2019 but it will now be brought back into use after the council said the plans by Equorium Property Ltd will breathe new life into the town’s high street.
New shopfronts will be installed and a lift and three new staircases will be built inside the properties.
A later addition to the rear of the building will be reclad in stone and the car park will be remodelled with new trees planted to improve its appearance.
There have been shops on the site for almost a century with adjoining properties becoming Brown Muffs department store in 1961.
In 1972 it expanded further into the Old George Hotel. A new concrete frame was built and all but the main facade of the hotel was demolished.
House of Fraser, which owned Rackhams, bought the Brown Muffs department stores in 1977.
In 2000, the Rackhams brand was retired nationwide except for the Skipton and Altrincham stores where the name remained.
The conservation group Skipton Civic Society backed the scheme and said the plans “show a careful consideration for the historic fabric and setting of the listed buildings group.”
The plans were approved this week with the developer given three years to begin the works.
A council officer said: “The return of the buildings to beneficial retail use is fully supported as it will ensure the restoration and ongoing maintenance of the buildings and restore the vitality of this part of the High Street and the conservation area.”
“On balance it is considered that the proposed works would result in a visual enhancement to the listed building, its setting and significance with the additional public benefits of bringing the building back into use. The proposal would also enhance the designated conservation area.”
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