A FURNITURE store that has been run by the same family for three generations is being refurbished with a dramatic new glass entrance hall.

Rodgers of York, which has been based at Monks Cross retail park since 1987, will have a whole new front entrance as part of plans to bring more natural light into the building.

Managing director James Browne said the scheme would be a “substantial investment” but declined to reveal the cost of the refit, which will see the existing entrance demolished to make way for a two-storey extension.

Mr Browne, who runs the business with his brother William, said: “This is the fifth building project we have done here, we always reinvest in the business.

“The refurbishment should make the whole experience better for customers and lift our profile in the area.

“We will have more room, more disabled parking spaces and family spaces. The main thing is to get more light into the building so people can realise the quality of the products and see the colours.”

Planning permission for the project was granted by City of York Council in October and Mr Browne said work has already begun on expanding the car park, with plans for up to 60 parking spaces and eight cycle spaces.

He said demolition and construction work is due to begin in the next four weeks and the project is set to be completed by the autumn.

Mr Browne added: “When it’s a family business you get involved in everything, myself and my brother handle all aspects of the business. We have a lot of loyal staff because we put a lot of energy into the business to make it the best it can be.

“Before my brother and I took over, my father ran the business and before that, my grandfather. We were in Fossgate before moving to Monks Cross, we were next to fields of cows when we first moved here.”

He said the business began planning the refurbishment scheme about a year ago and worked with Malton-based architects Stone and Associates on the designs.

Mr Browne added that the store’s tea room, which opened about 18 months ago, has also been a popular addition with customers.

New signs will be installed and work will be done to improve the outdoor space by planting shrubs and flowers. The proposals also say the new entrance will be an “attractive, contemporary feature” which will compliment the modern designs of Rodgers of York’s neighbours at Monks Cross and Vangarde retail park.

The store will remain open throughout the project but with limited space. Mr Browne said the company is currently holding a sale to make room for construction work to begin.