DISCUSSIONS with the fashion and furnishings store, Next, have prompted developers to submit a planning application for alterations to Dressers' store on High Row, Darlington.
It is more than a year since the well-known stationers' closed its doors to the public and there has been widespread criticism that such a prominent building should be boarded up.
Next already has a two-floor store at the Queen Street shopping centre and a children's clothing shop in Northgate.
Yesterday Robert Canswick, managing director of Terrace Hill, owners of the building, told the D&S Times: "We are in discussion with Next, which is considering it options regarding putting the two operations into one big store. We have put in a planning application for alterations to the Dressers' building this week."
Darlington Borough Council confirmed that it had received the application for internal and some minor external alterations.
Louise Payne, town centre manager, said: "I would be intrigued to see what will happen, in particular to the Northgate shop, if it comes to fruition."
Yesterday Next declined to comment.
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