Quiet please – then old library can become bar
PERMISSION has been given for a former library to be turned into a bar - providing steps are taken so things don’t get too noisy.
Franchise the Potting Shed has been granted planning permission to convert the Grade II listed former council register office, in the town centre.
The building, on Park Green, was originally constructed as a library in the 1870s and as a condition of planning permission noise mitigation measures must be taken.
These include additional glazing on some windows and a double doors system to lessen the impact on neighbouring properties.
An extension to the premises is also included in the proposals, which would regenerate a building that has been empty since 2010, becoming increasingly dilapidated.
A report by East Cheshire Council planners said: “This building has undergone work in the past which has been detrimental to the fabric of the building.
“This application will reverse much of this work and give the building a new lease of life into the future.”
Upon opening the bar will create as estimated 30 jobs, 10 full-time and 20 part-time.
It would also serve food, have live music and be open up to midnight Sunday to Thursday and up to 2am Friday and Saturday.
The building had been marketed as office space but was said to have not been attractive because there is an oversupply of such premises and renovation costs were off-putting.
Applicants the Potting Shed already operate six similar pub-restaurants across the north of England.
The site is in Park Green Conservation Area and Macclesfield Civic Society also gave plans the thumbs up.
A spokesman said: “Macclesfield Civic Society welcome the proposal for reuse and restoration of the former library and register office.
“This is a significant building from a heritage and townscape viewpoint and introduction of a beneficial use (consistent with others in this part of the town centre) is supported.”
Approval fits with East Cheshire Council’s aim to improve the night time economy in Macclesfield.