Empty department store could become bar and restaurant under new plans

The proposals seek permission to host occasional live music events and karaoke

An empty department store in a Huntingdonshire town could become a sports bar and restaurant under new plans. A listed building consent application submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council by Bailey’s Bar seeks approval to convert a partially Grade II listed building, previously a St Neots department store, into a sports bar and restaurant.

Under the proposals, the High Street site would be converted into a sports bar and restaurant with games and entertainment zones on the first floor. The second floor is proposed to be staff offices and an ancillary back-of-house accommodation.

The historic three-storey element of the building forms the listed portion while later 20th-century extensions to the side and rear are unlisted. The applicant seeks to “preserve the significance of the Grade II listed building and Conservation Area” and “contribute positively to the vitality and viability of the town centre”. A PureGym on the ground floor of the same building is not part of the proposed change of use.

The proposals also seek permission to host occasional live music events and karaoke facilities. Opening hours would be from 9am to 12am Monday to Saturday and 10am to 11pm on Sundays, with extended hours reaching 1am on selected Saturdays. Approximately 12 members of staff would be employed for front or house and between 3-6 in the kitchen.

The works include internal alterations and fit-out of the first floor, sympathetic refurbishment of listed building elements for staff and ancillary uses, and minor external alteration. This would include signage and repainting of the main entrance.