Pasta diner plan for old Stourbridge bank branch
Pizza and pasta could soon be served out of an historic bank in Stourbridge under plans to open an upmarket Mediterranean-style restaurant.
The Old Bank, in High Street, has been put on the market by owner Adam Meyers in a bid to attract a new restaurateur to the town.
He is also in talks with Dudley Council to amend an approved planning application for the eaterie to increase the number of potential number of diners up to 150.
The Old Bank has been empty for six years following the departure of Yorkshire Bank.
It dates back to 1834 and was formerly known as the Stourbridge and Kidderminster Bank, before becoming the Midland Bank in 1914.
The building is up for rent from property agent Lex Allan Commercial at £42,500 a year.
A spokesman for Mr Meyers said: "The building has always been referred to as one of the jewels of the town and Mr Meyers is keen to do it justice by bringing in a quality restaurant which will fit the bill. He has had the building for a while, but because of the credit crunch, it has proved difficult to attract a restaurant in.
"Now, with hopefully the increase in capacity, he hopes to finally get a restaurant open in there."
The building overlooks the town's square.
It boasts carved stone facades and distinctive dormer windows.
The building also sits opposite the new Tesco development, which is set to open in time for Christmas this year.
Plans were submitted in 2007 to convert the old Yorkshire Bank into a trendy eatery, lounge bar and offices.
The proposals had caused controversy in the town, with residents and councillors concerned the venue would lead to an increase in noise, anti-social behaviour and litter.
Then repair work to the site suffered a set back when thieves stripped thousands of pounds of lead from the roof.
