New bar and restaurant earmarked for vacant unit on Chester Rows
Plans have been lodged
Bridge Street, Chester(Image: Cheshire Live)
Plans have been lodged to turn a vacant former retail unit into a new bar and restaurant in Chester city centre. The proposed venue - The Drawing Room - is earmarked for an empty premises on Bridge Street Row East.
A change of use planning application as well as a premises licence application have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council. Applicant James Bickerton is behind the venture.
The premises licence application states: "The premises will be a modern seated environment but in keeping of the age and overall vibe of the historic building. Customer areas include a main trading space with seating for approximately 36 people. Ancillary areas include a kitchen/food preparation area, staff room, storage rooms, and customer toilet facilities.
"Access for customers is via the main entrance on Bridge Street Row East with additional access for staff and deliveries located at the rear. The premises are fitted with appropriate safety equipment, including fire detection and emergency lighting systems, and are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. CCTV is installed covering internal areas and access points.
"The premises may include an external seating/serving area located at the rear of the building with any outdoor area clearly defined, monitored by staff, and operated in accordance with local authority requirements. The premises are designed to operate in a manner that promotes the licensing objectives, maintaining a safe, secure, and well-managed environment for customers, staff, and the local community."
The separate planning application adds: "Change of use application from class-e to sui generis category, converting from retail to a eating/drinking establishment on the ground floor with more on upper floor."
The retail unit has been vacant since August last year.