Planning has been submitted to Gwynedd Council to change the former Laura Ashley store and the adjoining building, formerly the Blockbuster video store, into a 100-seater restaurant and drive-thru.
The planning application seeks permission to alter the existing buildings, creating of a drive-thru lane, and changing the use of both units from Class A1 (retail) to A3 (food and drink) and associated works.
A similar scheme for a KFC drive-thru unit was approved in March 2021, on Caernarfon Road.
Laura Ashley collapsed into administration closing almost half of its 147 UK stores in March 2020, including Bangor. The adjacent building has been empty for several years.
If the plans are approved, sections of the existing building will be demolished in order for the site to be able to accommodate a new drive-thru lane, which will ‘wrap around’ the rear of the units. A new drive-thru window pod will be added, where customers will be able to pay and collect their order.
The ground floor of the building will accommodate seating for approximately 62 ‘covers’ and the existing first floor in Unit 1, which was previously for staff use only, will become a new customer seating area with 40 covers and toilets; a new customer staircase is proposed to provide access to this level.
Potential occupiers in the food and drink sector have expressed strong interest in occupying the proposed units, indicating that there is a demand for them in this part of Bangor.
According to the planning application, the proposed units are positioned in a location which can benefit from the trade along Caernarfon Road – they will meet the needs of those working in or visiting the commercial area who wish to purchase refreshments and snacks.
The Transport Statement accompanying the planning application concluded that there are no valid highway or transportation reasons which should prevent the proposed redevelopment of the site.
Photo Credit: Eric Jones
