HUGE interest has been shown in a heart-of-York fashion boutique which is to become vacant at the end of next month.

Inquiries from as far afield as Bangkok have flooded into Carter Jonas the commercial property agents for a new use of the premises currently used by Bleu Marine in Low Petergate.

Nicole Snowden and her husband, Les, who have been proprietors of the shop for 25 years are retiring and now the landlords, the Dean and Chapter, are looking for new tenants through the Leeds office of Carter Jonas.

Chris Soulsby, of Carter Jonas, said: "We have had dozens of inquiries and quite a few viewings. We were surprised to get one expression of interest from as far away as Bangkok.

"The inquirer from Thailand was looking at the prospect of setting up a restaurant. This is fascinating, but not quite the use of the building that we were hoping for."

Among other uses suggested by inquirers were a card shop, jewellers, clothing, and a nautical equipment specialist.

The shop, 50 yards from the Minster and next door to Lace Magic, is in an area of the city which is dotted with a fascinating array of independent retailers.

It consists of three floors, plus basement, with a total of 1,113 sq ft and the agents are asking for £30,000 per year on a lease, the length of which can be negotiated.

Updated: 10:51 Tuesday, April 18, 2006