Darlington's historic Binns building could be split into six separate shops under new plans - but bosses say they are just "keeping options open" for the future.
Proposals have been lodged with Darlington Borough Council to split up the ground floor of the High Row building into six separate stores.
The bid, first submitted in September, would still see the building have a main retail operator, although it is unknown whether this would be House of Fraser at this stage.
John Taylor, director of Parker Barras and agent of the owner, said it was "keeping options open" and is continuing to work closely with the fashion chain.
He explained: "I would very much like them to stay and we are of the opinion that they will remain in the town. Active discussions with House of Fraser are ongoing."
Last month, The Northern Echo revealed that a national food and drink operator had formally submitted an offer to take over part of the building.
The Echo can now confirm that a third offer has been made to take over part of the space, this time by another unnamed national retailer.
House of Fraser - which signed a lease earlier this year that will expire in March 2026 at the earliest - has not yet commented on the plans.
Plans will 'ensure building does not end up vacant'
Planning documents say House of Fraser, which currently occupies the entire of the building, “no longer requires” the large retail space.
Instead, bosses want to divide the ground floor into six, each with their own entrance onto the street. This would mean an extra entrance would be added to the building.
The main operator would boast 3,728 metres squared across three floors while the unit currently home to Evans Cycles would have 976 metres squared across three floors.
However, plans note how the second, third, and fourth floors could be converted into offices.
If approved, the basement would be split into two, the majority being occupied by the main retail operator and the other by the current Evans Cycles unit.
The first-floor layout is expected to provide each of the five units with an extra level of space, although with the main retail operator taking on most of the area.
It is hoped that the division of the units will “diversify” the town centre and is adapting to a changing retail environment “where larger units are not as sought after”.
The plans said: “The proposals will ensure that a prominent building within the primary shopping area does not end up vacant, and contribute to the vitality and viability of the town centre.”
Some parts of Binns - which is made up of several amalgamated buildings - have already hit the market as they are not part of future plans.
Binns history
Binns has been a staple of Darlington since 1922 and moved into its current home on High Row three years later, where it has been based ever since.
In March, House of Fraser bosses signed a new one-year deal to stay in Darlington following a turbulent year for the chain in the town.
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The store had initially been earmarked for closure last September, months after the building hit the market with a £1 million price tag in July.
But in October, the site was snapped up by the current owner and, hours later, it was revealed that House of Fraser had agreed terms to remain in the building.
Teams were reportedly “working around the clock” behind the scenes to secure House of Fraser’s future, and the confirmation came on November 11 that it would be staying put.
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