Cocktail bar plans for Grade II building

A coffee, gin and cocktail bar could open in Shrewsbury under plans submitted to Shropshire Council.

Concoctions Ltd wants to develop The Boiler Room in Hills Lane into a new bar.

The building currently houses La Dolce Vita Italian restaurant, with the Boiler Room adjacent to it.

Planning permission has been gained for the upstairs of the Grade II-listed building to residential units.

The plans were submitted to Shropshire Council this week and will be determined in the coming weeks.

Agents Christopher Roscoe Associates said: “This is a late 18th century building originally built as a single dwelling known as The Mansion House. 

“In the mid-19th century the buildings use changed to that of a boarding school known as the Mansion House School. 

“Archive records suggest the existence of a rear garden (now built upon) and a small walled courtyard fronting Hills Lane which has since been demolished. 

“The ground floor areas have previously been in retail use and presently are divided into two units – La Dolce Vita Italian restaurant to the left and the Boiler room subject to this application occupies the right-hand side as viewed from Hills Lane. 

“The upper floors have been occupied for some years as offices. Planning and listed building consent has recently been granted for change of use of the upper floors to residential apartments.

“Internally, the Boiler Room has been extensively modernised over many years and currently very little if any historic features remain. 

“The original ground floors have been overlaid and internal wall finishes appear to be gypsum plaster and skim decorated with emulsion paint. 

“Mock wall panelling has been introduced in some areas which appear to be constructed from painted hardboard.

“Concoctions Ltd, was established in December 2018 for the purpose of developing The Boiler Room into a coffee, gin bar and cocktail bar. 

“The applicants have experience in managing projects and businesses including the Little Pub Company, providing useful experience for developing The Boiler Room into a successful bar in central Shrewsbury.”

It added: “It is considered that the proposals as submitted will not be detrimental to its overall character and will not harm the historic fabric of the building. 

“Traditional materials and finishes will be incorporated so to not detract from the buildings historic qualities. 

“The application site is in a suitable location for an A4 use and it is considered that the change of use would not have an unreasonable impact on the amenities of the area and the proposed use will be similar to the existing use.”