Proposals To Rejuvenate Vacant Sports And Social Club

Plans to rejuvenate an ‘eyesore’ Sports and Social club in Queensway have been submitted to the Council.

It is proposed that the building is extended and divided into three units to create the space for a Hairdressers, Fish and Chip Shop and Cafe / Cake Shop.

The building, which is across the road from Queensway Gym in Caia Park was previously used as a Sports and Social club, but has remained vacant for a number of years. It is stated in the application that the property has frequently been described as an ‘eyesore’ and has attracted anti-social behavior, with the rear of the site being used by fly tippers in the past.

Existing access to the building would be used, however a new route will also be implemented to allow pedestrians to access the units safely. Alongside this a total of 12 parking spaces would be allocated to the site. Three disabled parking spaces and access doors to the units will also be installed.

The application also states that an extension to the rear of the building would allow the Sports Bar to be relocated. It is also stated that a canopy on three elevations on steel columns with safety railings would also be erected on the site.

Proposals also include changes to the buildings insulation, lighting and that materials will be used from local suppliers / recycled materials where possible. To improve the exterior appearance it is stated that trees and hedgerows will be planted on the grass bank leading up to Meadow Lea.

The opening times of the three retail have been broken down into sections, with it proposed that the Cafe is open 7am – 5pm Monday to Saturday and open 10am – 3pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Proposals for the Bar opening hours include 3:30pm – 11pm Monday to Friday, 12am – 11:30pm on Saturday and 12am -11pm on Sunday. The Hair and Beauty shop would be open Monday to Friday 9am -5pm, and 10am – 4pm on Sunday.

It is hoped that four part time and six full time staff will be employed at the units if the application is successful.

The application’s Design and Access Statement lists the reasons why the proposals have been placed: “The vision and design aspirations for this development involves bringing a much neglected site back to life. To provide good local amenities which may be accessed by all.

“To improve the character of not just the building but the whole site by planting trees, hedgerow and flowers throughout. To provide much needed job opportunity’s, both full time and part time. To provide units which will be low rent which may encourage entrepreneurs who with to start up their own business.”