Reports suggest that Watches of Switzerland Group retailer Mappin & Webb is set to move into a vacant retail unit in York city centre.
Watches of Switzerland Group has applied to the local council for permission to conduct work on the building in order to make it a suitable new home for Mappin& Webb, the city’s Gazette & Herald reported.
The publication reported that the retailer hopes to create a 625-square-metre retail unit.
WatchPro’s sister publication, Professional Jeweller, detailed how the renovation plans were designed by Mark Pinney Associates, an architect firm with previous experience designing for the likes of Tiffany & Co.
The planning application reads: “These proposals ought to create a unified storefront with modified openings set within a granite stone plinth, keeping the existing fascia and composite stone pilasters.
“This approach was taken to align the design with the brand’s retail design concept.
“The introduction of a new entrance on Davygate, replacing one of the existing shopfront windows on the unit at 2 New Street, creates a main entrance to the proposed Mappin & Webb main sales area.
“This existing opening is the only potential location to create the new entrance due to the sensitivity of the existing heritage features described on the former Debenhams show windows.”
Watches of Switzerland Group has not yet commented on the plans.
