RAIL bosses have warmly welcomed plans to transform an old signal box at York Station into a coffee shop and passenger lounge.

Chiefs at GNER, which owns the station, said the moves to build on the first floor of the box has the backing of the company.

Puccinos Ltd wish to take the upper area of the signal box, above WH Smith, and turn it into a coffee shop.

The plans for the listed building also contain proposals for a first-class passenger lounge.

Architect Peter Holness said his design would retain many of the traditional features of the signal box.

"It is an unconventional place to have a coffee shop, but I think it is good.

"You can't avoid it. Passengers coming to and from the bridge will pass it.

"We have retained the traditional features of the building and haven't really done anything to disrupt the interior.

"Obviously, we are now hoping the plans will be accepted by City of York Council."

Andrew Sanders, marketing manager at Puccinos Ltd, added: "This is the first time we have done business with GNER.

"We have been very pleased with the way that GNER has responded to our proposals and they are working very closely with us.

"Now we are hoping that our application will be accepted. If all goes to plan, we may be able to start work by the end of next month."

Dave Mallender, GNER company spokesman, said: "This plan has got our support. We have been looking for a suitable use for the signal box since our station management team left, last year.

"This plan for a coffee shop and first class passenger lounge benefits our customers."

A City of York Council spokesman added: "This development concerns a listed building. We received the application on April 20 and it will be available for consultation until May 15."

Updated: 11:44 Friday, April 05, 2002