Plans for the overhaul of a major retailer's external advertisement display have been approved - prompting further hopes the department store will reopen.
Frasers Group, which owns shopping giant House of Fraser, submitted the proposals for its site in Chantry Place shopping centre in Norwich.
The store announced in December that it would be closing for a "short period", but did not confirm how long it would be keeping its doors shut.
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And the company declined to say whether any workers would be made redundant as a result of the closure and refused to comment about the future of the shop.
This prompted fears of staff cuts and raised questions about whether House of Fraser, which covers three floors within Chantry Place, would ever return.
Frasers Group has been asked repeatedly by this newspaper for clarification, but no response has been received.
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However, a fresh application submitted to Norwich City Council revealed plans for a redevelopment of the external advertising on the shopping centre.
The proposals will see the existing House of Fraser sign removed and replaced by one reading 'Frasers'.
Branding for Sports Direct, USC, Game and Evans Cyles - all owned by Frasers Group - will also be established to the side of the department store's ground floor entrance.
The application comes as owner Mike Ashley continues to rebrand House of Frasers across the UK as new luxury mini-chains known as Frasers.
When asked about the closure of the Chantry Place store last year, a spokesman for the store said: "We can confirm that we will be closing House of Fraser in Chantry Place, Norwich, for a short period.
"However, we are pleased to announce that we will be refurbishing the space to open a new and elevated retail destination, that will bring the very best brands and experience to our consumers in Norwich, next year."
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