Plans to transform an A-listed landmark bank building into a sports bar and restaurant in a Scottish city have been approved.
The proposals include private dining rooms, a mezzanine level and darts area under a brand operated by an English pub group.
The application for change of use at 28-30 Hanover Street in Edinburgh, which is currently a TSB Bank branch, has been granted.
Plans by Mowbray Design Architects show Arc Inspirations’ Box Sports Bar and Kitchen brand proposals covering 854 square metres.
Phil Pritchett, of Pritchett Design Consultancy, said: "The application is being lodged by the owner of the building who is in discussions with a potential occupier.
"No detailed plans are currently available and as such there are no proposals as yet to undertake the refurbishment works or alterations to the listed building."
One neighbour, Scot Glanville, said: "I support this change of use if it is done to a high standard and reflective of the buildings heritage installing like for like original feature's if they are currently missing the same approach applied to the Jenner's redevelopment should be applied to all buildings in the New Town area."
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Another, John McKee, of Hanover Healthfoods. said: "I think there is now an over-reliance on catering and hospitality in the area and this has some significant effects on the surrounding businesses and they aren't all positive.
"Too many planning decisions have been made approving the move from banking/offices towards hospitality and this has resulted, in my opinion, in a decline in footfall in the city centre. This is particularly exacerbated during periods of inclement weather. Office workers were expected to be in their offices most days of the week which meant that they could shop before and after work, as well as lunchtimes."
Mr Pritchett added: "It should also be noted that the unit has been in operation as a bank for many years. Whilst this was historically a necessary function in the city centre the advent of on-line banking has meant that footfall to banks has significantly reduced in recent years.
"Introducing the possibility of more vibrant uses into this building would be a positive benefit to the street block and would complement both the retail and non-retail uses that are established in the area.
"A new flagship leisure operator in this prominent corner unit which would cater for the needs of tourists, residents, office workers and others would add to the attractiveness of the street and would accord with the aims of development plan policy."
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