Work starts on Stafford's old post office

Multi-million pound works to transform Stafford's former post office into a restaurant, bar and conference complex have begun.

Workmen have now moved into Chetwynd House, the Grade II listed premises in Greengate Street, which date from the 18th century.

Hoardings have been are being erected around the building.

The new complex will feature a wine bar, 150-seater restaurant, function rooms and a roof garden and will be completed in September.

The plans also include the neighbouring former JobCentre Plus and a nearby office block.

Martin Ratcliffe from the Barnett Ratcliffe Partnership — the company dealing with the plans on behalf of businessman Dennis Foster — said archaeologists were studying the interior of the old post office.

"We have made a start on the building," he said. "At the moment we are just making sure the premises are safe. The work should be completed by September and open soon after.

"There are archaeologists in there as well — it is a very important building and that is why we will take care with it."

He said the development will also feature a conservatory and court yard.

Plans to transform the historic building were approved by Stafford Borough Council's development control committee in November.

They agreed that the scheme for Chetwynd House would be a boost for Stafford during the current economic climate.

The post office building was once the home of famous playwright Richard Sheridan and is an iconic building within the heart of Stafford town centre.

It closed in 2007 when postal services moved to the WH Smith store. It had operated as a post office for nearly 100 years. The building was built by MP William Chetwynd between 1720 and 1740.