Developer reveals plans for former town centre café

10:14am Saturday 19th July 2008

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ROMSEY'S former Palmerston café and bakery could soon be back in business - though in another guise.

The once-popular café, in the town center, closed down in February after an inspection by Test Valley Borough Council environment and health officers, who raised concerns over hygiene issues.

But now planning applications have been lodged with the council for the listed building by AWP Consulting LLP of York, with the aim of smartening the building up. One is for the demolition of a rear extension and its replacement with a new build-on.

In submitting the application on behalf of the freehold owner, AWP tell the council: "In recent years, it has been neglected and the quality of both the product offered and the appearance of the building have been allowed to decline to unacceptable levels.

"The current operators have no plans to resume operations and this application is made on behalf of the freehold owner with the aim of improving the physical condition and operating efficiency of the property to attract a better-resourced and committed tenant, whether to resume bakery and restaurant operations, or an alternative retail use."

It adds that the three-storey building, which fronts the Market Place, has an "assortment of single-storey extensions, outbuildings and lean-to structures" to its rear.

The applicants say there is no intention to alter the building, but to carry out necessary repairs, with the new extension including upgraded toilets and the upstairs part earmarked for management and "overflow vending" operations.