Plans have finally been revealed to transform the former Harper's building on Starbeck High Street in Harrogate.

The building has been a vacant eyesore for six years since it was ravaged by fire, despite attempts to brighten it up by painting the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine on the side.

But a meeting on Friday heard the owner wants to create two to four ground floor retail units and up to 24 one-bedroom flats.

A public consultation is expected to take place within the next few months.

The building was originally a Harper’s grocery store but traded as McColl’s supermarket when fire broke out six years ago. The Stray Ferret has monitored attempts to bring it back to life.

A public exhibition highlighting new proposals was expected to take place before Christmas but never occurred.

But Friday's meeting at neighbouring St Andrew's Church, which was attended by the agent and architect amongst others, indicated progress was happening.

Tom Cook, divisional director for the Leeds area of planning agency Zerum Consulting, said:

Postmaster Andrew Hart, who runs the Red Box in Starbeck, has been campaigning for the building to be brought back to life for many years.

Mr Hart, who attended the meeting, said "everything we heard and saw was very positive and encouraging" and the designs had the potential to create a "flagship building to be very proud of". He added:

Mr Hart said multiple business have moved to Starbeck in the past two years, adding:

He said the historic Harper's stone at the top of the building would be retained but moved to the corner overlooking The Prince Of Wales.

Cllr Phillip Broadbank, a Liberal Democrat who represents Fairfax and Starbeck, said:

Read more:

• Starbeck café offers free packed lunches 


• Campaigners' fears as Ripon Cathedral begins £8 million annexe consultation