Plans to transform a historic York building into the UK’s largest independent bookshop have received approval, despite concerns over the potential impact on the building’s heritage. Topping and Company Booksellers, which operates other stores in cities such as Bath and Edinburgh, will convert the Grade II-listed building on Museum Street into a bookshop that will house around 75,000 books.
The decision, made by the City of York Council’s planning committee, comes after earlier objections regarding the addition of a mezzanine floor. Council officers had expressed concerns that this would alter the building’s original layout, but these were overruled due to the public benefits of the project, including the creation of approximately 30 new jobs.
The building, which dates back to 1860 and was originally home to York’s Poor Law Union, has stood vacant for several years. Topping and Company plans to open the store in autumn 2025, with events already lined up to take place in the space.
While some conservation groups raised objections, local support was strong, with several public comments backing the plans. The new store is seen as a way to revive a historically significant building and bring new life to the area.
