A new restaurant could be set to open in the former Bank House Hotel in Dungannon.
Proposals have been drawn up by Basilico Restaurants Ltd, a Portadown-based company, established last month.
Full planning and listed building consent are being sought to bring the town’s latest eatery to the masses.
The application – now with Mid-Ulster District Council – relates to the ground floor lounge bar and dining room at the Irish Street edifice and would create in the region of five new jobs.
The property, which started life as a private residence in 1897, was later reimagined as a business premises, firstly housing a wine and spirit merchants before becoming the home of three separate banks.
Most recently, the building which boasts considerable floor space, was the site of the renowned Bank House Hotel.
But it remained dormant for quite some time since the boutique hotel closed its doors in 2012.
Whilst the premises received substantial renovation work prior to the hotel’s opening in 2007, it has retained many of its charming original features, amalgamated with evidence of its transition from home to hotel and everything in between.
Now, these fresh plans have emerged.
The first floor of the building has approval for use as a ‘house of multiple occupancy’.
But if planning and listed building consent are granted, a new and exciting opportunity for the town awaits at ground floor.
Proposed elevations for the Bank House development in Dungannon
A design and access statement said the proposals aim to “enhance the character and architectural importance of the building”, and there would be “no alterations to the external appearance and no structural alterations internally”.
It adds: “Although the upper floors of the building benefit from an approved use as an HMO, the ground floor has been vacant for sometime.
“Due to the loss of bedrooms it is apparent that the ground floor can no longer be sustained with its current use.
“The proposal is entirely suitable for the future of this Grade B2 listed building and will bring a new vibrant use to this area of the town.”
In terms of what is planned, the statement adds: “Internally, it is proposed to incorporate a kitchen space within the existing lounge bar area which will be visually linked to the proposed restaurant seating area to enhance the dining experience and create interaction between staff and patrons.
“The proposal therefore respects the historical and architectural importance of the property and will ensure that no dilapidation will incur.”
As far as traffic and access is concerned, the statement says there are over 260 parking spaces available nearby and it is also a short distance from the local bus station.
There would be a “level access for all users”, while internally there are “minimum alterations proposed with existing disabled facilities being retained”.
The application will now be advertised shortly with a decision expected in due course.
