Bistro and bar plan for old Dudley fire station
Major plans to refurbish and convert a former fire station into a stylish bistro and bar have been lodged.
The building in Dudley town centre has been lying empty since the 1990s.
Dudley Council wants to use records and photographs from the 1950s to restore the front of the property, in Priory Street, to its original fire station design. The redevelopment also includes a second-storey conversion and extension to accommodate a kitchen, office, toilets and stores.
The entrance to the newly-refurbished bistro will be situated off Stone Street Square and there will be seats outside.
Councillor Shaukat Ali, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This building is one of Dudley town centre's gems and, while the proposals are subject to the normal statutory planning process, I am very pleased that this historic building will be brought back into use and its original features repaired and restored.
"It has always been the intention, since Stone Street Square was redeveloped, to attract a new business to make that whole area more vibrant. The new bistro will create a different offer in the town centre and, along with the plan to introduce evening markets as well as the entertainment provided by the town hall, Dudley is proving that it has what it takes to achieve a vibrant night time economy."
If the plans are approved, work on the project will get under way in the summer. The building dates back to 1898 and remained operational until 1939, when a new police headquarters and fire station were built in Tower Street.
From the 1940s it was used for a variety of purposes, including an RAF club, Payne's Shoe Shop and Carvers Café.
