IT’S a sight to make York conservationists smile – the developers’ first sketch of a refurbished White Swan Hotel.

This artist’s impression will go on display in York next week, as developers discuss their plans to redevelop the 100-year-old Piccadilly landmark.

The building had been earmarked for demolition, to be replaced by a new hotel and shops, but after a public backlash, the owners changed their plans.

The Graham Family Trust, which owns the building, will show its plans to the public next Wednesday at the Quaker Meeting House in Friargate.

They plan to completely refurbished the 1912 building to accommodate 14 new apartments on the upper floors and new and improved shop space on the ground floor, They say the project will to help to revitalise that part of the city centre.

Jason Garrod, from Cj2 Ltd, agent for the owners said: “We will be consulting the public on our plans in the coming weeks before submitting a planning application to the council later this summer.

“We are pleased our architects, Paul Davis & Partners, have devised a scheme which retains the existing building, helping to bring it back into good use by providing new shops and homes in this important area of the city centre.”

A planning application for the development is likely to be submitted later this summer, with a decision from city planners expected in the autumn.

The consultation event will be from 2pm to 8pm next Wednesday, July 18, in The Penn Room of the Friend’s Meeting House, Friargate, York, YO1 9RL.