Plans have been drawn up to convert the former HSBC bank in Richmond into a cafe bar.
A planning application has been submitted to Richmondshire District Council by Loungers UK Limited for work to the Grade II listed building.
Documents submitted with the application say the work would be mainly internal with the creation of a kitchen, cellar, toilets and bar serving area.
No alterations are proposed to the front elevation of the building which looks onto the market place.
The external work relates to an extractor unit at the rear on the rear and the erection of a small rear extension.
The documents say Loungers is a food-led operator which focuses on the “Continental-in-style café/bistro concept, creating an informal and neighbourhood food-led café/restaurant open all day every day where family, friends, and local residents can meet, eat and drink in a relaxed and comfortable environment.”
The report says that there are usually a variety of board games available together with daily newspapers to read and a free neighbourhood book swap facility.
It adds: “Conceptually, all of Loungers UK Limited’s operations are similar in terms of location, within suburban areas with strong shopping characteristics.
“The café/restaurants seek to compliment the main retail function of the area rather than detract from it.”
The company currently has 137 outlets nationwide.
“These outlets are almost entirely patronised by local residents and do not rely upon or seek to encourage business from further afield.
“As a consequence the vast majority of customers travel on foot,” the report adds.
For more information on the application, click here.
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How wonderful. This is exactly what Richmond market place needs.
These meeting places are the future, and I can’t think of a better way to repurpose that building.
AT THIS RATE ALL OF RICHMOND MARKET PLACE WILL BE FOOD, CATERING AND EATING. I KNOW IT IS A GOOD LOCATION BUT DO WE REALLY WANT OR NEED THIS. TIME WILL TELL.