Plans for a new wine bar and coffee shop in Chester city centre are progressing swiftly. Popcorn Hospitality Ltd, which runs the well-liked Popcorn bar in the city, has secured planning permission to transform the former Co-operative Bank building on Northgate Street into a fresh establishment.
The latest development is a premises licence application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council, indicating that the new venue will be named Planaterra. Joseph Dunn, who is currently the operations manager at Popcorn, is set to be the licensee.
The application details describe the proposed venue as a "Ground floor wine bar and coffee shop selling artisanal food and drink (alcoholic and non alcoholic) to be consumed inside the venue and in a designated al fresco area adjoining the property."
It also mentions plans for "A mixture of low and high seating, a bar made from repurposed antique cabinetry, outside coffee tables and a small stage for acoustic performance."
According to the application, the opening hours are intended to be from 9am to 12.30am, seven days a week, with alcohol sales both on and off the premises from 10am to midnight daily. The public consultation period regarding these proposals is set to conclude on October 28, .
The Co-operative Bank's branch has been shuttered since November 2020. Last year, Popcorn Hospitality Ltd, in their application for changing the use of the Grade II listed building, remarked: "This application doesn't involve any building alterations. It is only for change of use. We don't have any building plans drawn up yet as we need to get the change of use confirmed before we progress with any development."
Earlier this year, council case officer Kara Johnston, endorsing the proposal, noted: "The site was formerly used as a bank however has fallen into disuse, with boarded up aperture and faded signage to its frontage. A strong evening economy can ensure that the centre is busier for longer periods of day, creating a safe and attractive environment that supports the local economy."
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