INVESTORS are being invited to buy the freehold to a key retail site in York city centre when it is sold at auction in November.

The guide price for the Grade II listed former Burton store in High Ousegate is £1.1m to £1.2m.

The 8,580 sq ft building at number 9-10 dates back to 1933 where it was built and operated as a Burton’s store. It is now leased to kitchenware chain Lakeland until 2025 and produces a current annual income of £105,000.

The foundation stone once laid by Howard Stanley Burton and Arnold James Burton is still viewable at the property to this day.

Peter Mayo, of Acuitus, said: “This property is ideally located beside the best of York’s shops and attractions. The current tenant, Lakeland, has been in occupation at the property for over 18 years, further indicating its prime location.”

The property is prominently located in a conservation area on the north side of High Ousegate, a short walk from the River Ouse in the heart of the city centre. Nearby occupiers include Ryman, Nando`s, Levi`s, Fat Face, Santander, Specsavers, Tesco, Barclays, Boots & Lloyds.

The auction will take place at 1pm on November 4 and will be broadcast via livestream on the Acuitus website with bidding online, by telephone and by proxy.