Landmark store to become restaurant?

PLANS to convert a landmark town centre store into a restaurant are to be put to Warrington’s planning committee tomorrow (Wednesday).
The proposals, put forward by the Caffe Caruso restaurant, currently in Bank Street, involve the Waysiders store in Horsemarket Street, which is due to close shortly because of the owner’s retirement.
Caffe Caruso needs to relocate because its present premises is subject to a compulsory purchase order as part of the Bridge Street regeneration scheme.
The Waysiders has been on the market since 2008 without attracting offers.
A report to the planning committee says Caffe Caruso is a successful family restaurant which has been in the town for more than 20 years.
The owner has been searching for alternative premises for some time and sees Horsemarket Street as a safe and friendly environment for evening trade and also for lunchtime business.
Officers are recommending the scheme be approved – despite the loss of a retail unit will reduce the number of shops in Horsemarket Street – a primary shopping area – to 44 per cent.
They believe the new use will result in the premises being open on Sundays and Bank Holidays, removing the possibility of a “dead frontage” at a time when the town centre is otherwise active and resulting in more footfall in the street.
Once the Waysiders has closed, the property would be likely to remain empty as no other firm interest has been expressed by retail operators.