A LONG established independent cycle retailer has revealed expansion plans in York with the relocation of it main premises to a former furniture store.

Cycle Heaven will move the bulk of its operations from its shop in Bishopthorpe Road, where it has traded from for more than 22 years, to the former Whitby Oliver furniture store in Fulford Industrial Estate.

The move follows extensive growth for the business, which opened a secondary site a York Station in 2011.

Managing director Andy Shrimpton said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be moving into this beautiful Victorian building.

"It’s been no secret that we outgrew our existing premises years ago.

"Large, spacious, accessible from riverside cycle routes, Park and Ride buses, as well as with ample parking, it will allow us to run the kind of operation that we have always dreamed of. But most important, it’s our kind of building.

"Cycle Heaven is not the kind of company you will find in a bland retail shed on the outer ring road. We’ll feel very at home here and look forward to working with our new landlord Britannia Whitby Oliver."

Mr Shrimpton has promised a presence will be retained in the Bishopthorpe Road premises, stating: "Out long term plan is to always be in Bishy Road in way or another.

"We have been here for more than 20 years, and were one of the founding members of the Bishopthorpe Road Traders Association.

"It is very much our home, however we have very much been bursting as the seams, and in need of larger premises."

The move to the Whitby Oliver premises, which will see a number of new jobs created, is set to be completed over the summer.

Cycle Heaven was advised on the new lease agreement by Jonathan Moore of Lupton Fawcett Denison Till, in York, who said: "We are very pleased to have helped Cycle Heaven with this exciting move and wish Andy and the team every success in the new store."

Whitby Oliver closed its furniture shop in Fulford in April after more than 120 years in the city.

It followed the closure of family run furniture shop G A White in Walmgate, in March last year, which also later became occupied by a cycling based business, Bicis Y Más.