Plans for new Asian restaurant in Nottingham city centre

​A new Asian restaurant and takeaway could open in a listed building in Nottingham city centre.

Plans have been submitted to establish the restaurant, called ‘WOWO’, in 26 King Street.

The building is Grade-II listed and was the home of vegan deli No Homers before its closure.

The unit is situated within what the applicant, Ms Susan Proud, describes as a “bustling culinary hub”.

Planning documents, submitted by Citrus Creative on behalf of the applicant, say: “The proposal overall is to create a Pan-Asian fast casual eatery with food being able to purchase to takeaway, delivery and eat in at the premises.

“The previous usage was also a food and beverage unit, however this unit did not have any extraction installed within its demise.

“The proposal is to provide a shopfront design in keeping with the WOWO brand design standards, this will include a new fascia, with illuminated signage, projecting signage and improvements and repairs to the existing shopfront.

“Internally, the layout will remain partly the same, with some internal walls being removed and erected in varying locations to suit the operational needs of the business and staff.

“The intention and promise, is that none of the external existing details will be removed, all installations will be completed retaining the existing timber moulding details, and all internal walls removed and repositioned are strictly in the back of house areas and within the new section of the premises.”

The building was once home to a drapery store, having been built in 1895 and restored in around 1990, and has since been used as shops and offices.

It was designed by one of the city’s most prominent architects, Watson Fothergill, on behalf of Jessop & Son.

Numbers 14 to 30 were given listed protection in 1972 by Historic England.

Historic England describes the building as “a major example of Watson Fothergill’s commercial buildings”.

Therefore the applicant says any work to the frontage will be approached with “absolute care”.

Planning documents add: “Due to the Grade-II listing of the property, all works relating to external shopfront and proposed internal works will be approached with absolute care.

“The proposal put forward, intends to ensure the character of the building and its appearance are maintained.

Written by Joe Locker - West Bridgford Wire.