Plans to turn Cheltenham "eyesore" into a pub
The condition of the building had deteriorated so much some people said it was the worst eyesore in the town
A Cheltenham town centre “eyesore” could soon be turned into a pub.
Cheltenham Borough Council has approved a premises licence for the former Sports Direct in the Strand area of High Street.
The former sports shop at 104 has been under scrutiny since closing in July 2018.
At one stage the condition of the front of the building had deteriorated so much some people said it was the worst eyesore in the town centre.
But last year Cheltenham BID, the business-led not-for-profit organisation that tries to improve the town, covered it with smarter hoarding.
And now it could soon get a new lease of life as a pub.
Amber Taverns Limited asked for permission to be able to sell alcohol and for it to be consumed at the site.
They also sought permission to allow film, live music, and dance to be allowed from 10am until midnight Sunday to Thursday and from 10am to 1am Fridays and Saturdays.
The application also sought permission to provide late night refreshment from Sunday to Thursday 11pm to midnight and from 11pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
And the premises opening hours will be from 10am until 12.30am from Sunday to Thursday and on Fridays and Saturdays it wil be from 10am until 1.30am.
Amber Tavents Ltd also wanted permission to open for an extra hour on New Years Eve, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and the Thursday before Good Friday and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each bank holiday weekend as well as on St Patrick’s and St David’s Day.
A planning application to change the use of the site from retail to a drinking establishment was approved in April. And the licence application was granted last month.