Plans have been unveiled to rejuvenate a dilapidated building in Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre by converting it into a restaurant and four commercial units.
A planning application submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council seeks permission to change the use of a currently empty building on Pall Mall, in Hanley, which was used as a nightclub until August 2016.
The building has since sat empty and has “progressively deteriorated due to misuse”.
A complete overhaul is needed before the building can be brought back into use.
A design and access statement submitted with the plans says the hope is that a regeneration of the existing building will provide a “transformative rebirth” of the entryway to Pall Mall.
It adds: “The aim of the proposed development is to provide new commercial floorspace transforming the existing premises into an exciting place to work and visit.
“The design aim is to rejuvenate the existing neglected brownfield site. The proposed design optimises the existing site to create five commercial units in place of the existing club.
“The large shopfronts will aid in promoting businesses to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, creating a sense of identity and place.”
If the plans get the go-ahead, the units will range from 32 to 206 sq m in size.
The building, once home to the popular Dragon Palace Chinese restaurant, sits in a prominent position on the crossroads where Pall Mall, Marsh Street South and Clough Street meet.
Planning permission for the construction of a new seven-storey building on the site accommodating mixed use on the ground and first floors and residential on the upper five floors was passed in 2011.
The latest plans are expected to be decided by council officers using delegated powers within the coming weeks.
