PART of an empty landmark Bridgnorth town centre building could be given a new lease of life by being converted into a top restaurant. The former Co-op supermarket premises at Postern Gate has been empty for almost a year giving rise to much speculation about its future.
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Rumours that the new tenants were to be Costa Coffee were recently scotched by the international chain.
Andy Silverwood, of Birmingham chartered surveyors Wright Silverwood – joint letting agents with Towler Shaw & Roberts – revealed the new move this week. “Arrangements are being made to let the property to a good quality tenant,” he said. “I am not yet in a position to reveal the identity of the tenant and its A3 use (as a restaurant) would be subject to planning permission.”
A spokesman for Towler Shaw & Roberts said there had been “some” interest in in the property.
“It is a prestigious building in the town centre and its future requires wholesale creative thinking. The proposal by the interested party would mean a part of the former Co-Op premises remaining vacant,” he explained.
The closure of the Co-op — which maintains a presence in Bridgnorth after converting the former Stars News premises in Bridge Street and owns a store in Lodge Lane — had been described by civic and traders leaders as “bad news.”
It vacated the High Town building at the end of last October because it was losing money. Only last month, the Childhood & Costume Museum and tearoom, on the first floor of the Newmarket Buildings, closed its doors when Jayne Griffiths revealed she would not be renewing her lease because of ill-health.
However, four outlets — the Carpet Shack and its coffee shop, Just Kitchens, blinds and shutters business Southwell’s and soft furnishings shop LGM are continuing to trade from the building, with access from Listley Street.