ONE of York's most famous old shops is now officially out of family hands after almost 100 years.

Foss Bridge House, in Fossgate, had been the home of FR Stubbs ironmongers since 1915, but in 2001 the Grade II listed building was put up for sale.

The sale has finally gone through - although property bosses are still declining to reveal the new owner's identity.

Speculation has always had a restaurant and flats as the most likely future for the site.

A planning application to build two apartments, seven flats and a shop is already in place at the site.

Alan Black, partner at Blacks property consultants, hinted the building's future could be as an eatery.

He said the two upper floors have a successful change of use application in place, but the shop did not.

He said: "It might well be a restaurant, it might well be residential. It would form an ideal restaurant location."

Mr Black said the delay in selling the building was partly due to its history and location.

Former owner Bill Stubbs said he did not know what the building's future would be.

But he said he was relieved it had finally been sold.

Updated: 10:34 Monday, March 01, 2004