Plans for Grape Tree health food shop in Richmond

Plans have been submitted with North Yorkshire Council for alterations to the former Ken Warne shop in Richmond Market Place.

The application has been submitted on behalf of  Grape Tree, a national health food chain which has more than 175 stores around the country.

The Ken Warne store closed in 2024 after more than 30 years in the town.

The application seeks listed building consent for work on the shop.

Agents for the applicant say a “sensitive internal refurbishment and reconfiguration” is planned to accommodate the new tenant.

Non-original partitions, fixtures, and fittings left by previous tenants will be removed.

A lightweight, non-structural internal partition will be constructed at the rear to form a stockroom.

Existing ceiling tiles will be replaced with lightweight tiles, and electrical services—including lighting, CCTV, fire alarm, and power/data outlets—would be upgraded.

Floors would be upgraded with vinyl tiles on the sales floor and prepared for decoration in the back-of-house areas.

Supporting documents say the historic building would be preserved as part of the work.

They state: “The property comprises a Grade II listed ground-floor retail space dating from circa 1800, under a Welsh slate roof, with a modern shop front. The interior includes timber slats, bare plaster with peeling paint, exposed blockwork (some painted, some unpainted), and mock brickwork columns.

“The proposed works are designed to respect the historic and architectural character of the building while upgrading functionality, safety, and aesthetics.”

Grape Tree was founded in 2012–2013 by Nick Shutts and Nigel Morris, the former owners of the Julian Graves brand which closed in 2012.

The company focuses on health foods, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.