A NEW café bar owned by the company behind the Cozy Club chain is set to open in Thornbury soon.
New owners Loungers UK, which owns more than 200 sites across the UK, said its new Thornbury venue would 'represent an investment of £1 million' and create 30 new jobs.
The new Lounge restaurant will open in the former Prezzo premises this summer, in early June 2023.
It comes after Prezzo unexpectedly closed its doors on the high street for the last time this month.
Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said: “We are delighted by the prospect of bringing Lounges to Thornbury, especially as it’s so close to where Lounges' story began in Bristol 2002.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Thornbury community to our new Lounge.”
The owners Loungers UK have asked for planning permission from South Gloucestershire Council to amend the ground floor layout to provide a new kitchen and bar area.
The planning application - which was submitted on Wednesday, January 25 - reveals plans to demolish partitions installed by previous occupant in the grade II listed building.
But planners have described its proposals “minor internal alterations."
A planning document reads: “The premises were previously occupied by Prezzo but they have ceased trading.
“The alterations are of an extremely minor nature.
“Based on current proposals, the conversion of this property will represent an investment cost of approximately £1 million.
“Leases are for 15 years, so we invest very wisely and in high-quality goods for every one of our sites; they are designed to last.
“The proposed development is necessary to accommodate the occupation of the Toll House and Market Hall unit by Loungers as a high quality restaurant and will make a positive use of a town centre unit.
“It will support the vitality and viability of Thornbury by increasing footfall and providing job opportunities for the local residents.”
Gemma from Lounges added: “Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality, and our teams go the extra mile to make a difference.
“They are actively encouraged to connect with their communities by working with local groups, charities, organisations and businesses that are at the heart of the fabric of local life."
You can comment on the plans by visiting the council’s planning website and search P23/00307/LB
We have also approached Prezzo head office for more information about the closure.
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