A NATIONAL bicycle retailer has announced plans to move into a large empty shop in Keighley Town Centre.

Evans Cycles have submitted planning applications for the refurbishment of the former Toyland store on Cavendish Street.

The toy shop, based in the building for over 50 years, announced last month that it would be closing after the building's landlord requested the property back.

The 511 square metre unit, one of the larger shops in the town centre, is the subject of two planning applications recently submitted to Bradford Council by SportsDirect Retail Ltd - the owners of Evans Cycles.

One is for new Evans Cycles signage on the building and the other is for the refurbishment of the property - including internal structural works and the creation of skylights.

The bike retailer has branches in Leeds, at the city's rail station, and Castleford, but this unit would be the only branch within the Bradford District.

Last month the long running toy shop made the shock announcement that it would be shutting after 50 years delighting the children of West Yorkshire.

It was one of the few remaining specialist toy stores in the District.

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The business is, however, actively looking for a new space in the town centre, and urged people of Facebook to suggest possible new locations for the store.

In a post on the store's Facebook page last month the business said: "With regret and sadness I have to inform you that we have had to close our Keighley store as the landlord has decided that he wants his building back that we have occupied for around 50 years.

"We are actively looking for another premises in the Keighley town as we have loved providing a service for you and your families.

"Your nearest store is Skipton and Otley.

"We will see you again very very soon.

"We value your loyalty and custom. Thankyou for making our jobs a pleasure."

Cavendish Street is one of the town's most iconic Victorian streets, and much of the street is listed.

Evans Cycles went into administration in 2018 - and had 60 stores at the time. It was purchased by Sports Direct, and since then a number of branches have closed - while new stores have opened in other areas.

It currently has dozens of branches across the UK - and has been classed as an essential retailer during the pandemic.

A spokesman for Evans Cycles said they were unable to provide any comment on the Keighley plans until "formal announcements" are made.

A decision is due on the two planning applications late next month.

Earlier this year a planning application to convert the Victoria Hotel at the end of the street into shops and apartments was approved by Bradford Council.