And they called on City of York Council to approve the plans by the Helmsley Group later this month.
The plans, which would see a new riverside area created along the Ouse where the backs of retail units currently are, were submitted two years ago.
Some traders questioned why it has taken so long to get them before a council planning committee.
Council planning bosses told The Press the plans have had to be revised and amended throughout the process.
They said plans by developers must also comply with York’s policies, like meeting obligations for affordable housing, which takes time.
“We really want to see Coney Street come back to its former glory,” said Brian Marshall, co-owner of The Luxe Company, adding that the plans would be the "catalyst" to do this.
He and wife Lisa opened the upmarket interiors and leisure goods store in Coney Street two years ago.
The plans by the Helmsley Group made them want to open there as the store would be in a prime location if the riverside development goes ahead, he said. “Little did we know that two years on we’re yet to see a spade put in the ground.
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Rachael Maskell has joined calls for the council to rethink its decision to axe funding for Age UK York’s popular day club service.
