City of York Council has received a planning application for the site of 18-20 Stonegate, the former home of Kingdom of Sweets and Jack Wills.
Jack Wills occupied the location from 2009 to 2020, while Kingdom of Sweets were there from 2021 to 2023.
The Grade II listed building – first built in 1740 – became a retail premises following a renovation in the late 20th century, according to planners.
Planners also told of how the site became York’s first photography studio. Courtesy of Samuel Walker, who opened the studio in 1844.
Kingdom of Sweets, 18-20 Stonegate (Image: Newsquest)
The studio ran until 1849. The building also became a day spa from 2001 to 2009.
The application – submitted by Ms Helen Roach on behalf of DLG Architects – said: “The buildings have been vacant since the Kingdom of Sweets vacated last year in 2023, when internal existing modern shop fittings were stripped out, in order for our client to market the building to prospective tenants.
“At ground floor, Kingdom of Sweets shelving has been removed, revealing the original features of the building, including panelling to the rear room.
“Our client has now found a new tenant who would like to install changing cubicles within the ground floor of the proposed clothing store.
“The new changing cubicles will be constructed around the existing chimney breast and alcove, which has previously housed shelving and worktops.
“Care will be taken to ensure that the cubicle walls and curtain door are fully reversible and that no existing fabric is removed in the course of the installation works.”
Whilst the new tenant has not been revealed, the application also says they are looking to paint the outside of the shop white.
The applicants said that the proposed white paint “is more in keeping with the Georgian character of the building, its adjacent neighbours, and the historic street as a whole”.
They added that access to the store will not be affected, and said that the incoming tenant will provide a temporary ramp for ground floor access when required.
It will now go to consultation on Wednesday, September 4, before the council’s planning committee decides the future of 18-20 Stonegate.
