Advanced decay
A disused art deco public toilet in Leicester is set to be transformed into a cafe and delicatessen.
The building in St Margaret's Way, near Abbey Park, was put up for sale in May by the city council for £20,000 – having been empty for several years. Now, three city businessmen have bought the 80-year-old building and lodged plans to convert it into an eaterie and extend it.
Peter Silk, who is one of the partners in the project, said in the planning application: "The site is unoccupied and in a state of disrepair. "It is the intention to rejuvenate the structure and provide a more functional use that would better serve the community."
The council received several offers for the run down building which is daubed in graffiti – but the total paid for it has not been revealed.
The three businessmen are planning to build a single-storey extension on the site, which is 10 minutes walk from the city centre.
The conversion has been welcomed heritage experts and visitors to Abbey Park and the nearby sports pitches. Stuart Bailey, chairman of the Leicester Civic Society, said: "I think the cafe idea is a very good use for the building. "Myself and the society would support it being brought back into use rather than becoming more derelict or even lost."
Knighton historian and art deco enthusiast Keith Dickens said: "I welcome the move to open a cafe in the building. Its proximity to the playing fields could make it a viable business. "I expect there will have to be major internal alterations but I hope the external character is restored and retained."
Advanced decay
A disused art deco public toilet in Leicester is set to be transformed into a cafe and delicatessen.
The building in St Margaret's Way, near Abbey Park, was put up for sale in May by the city council for £20,000 – having been empty for several years. Now, three city businessmen have bought the 80-year-old building and lodged plans to convert it into an eaterie and extend it.
Peter Silk, who is one of the partners in the project, said in the planning application: "The site is unoccupied and in a state of disrepair. "It is the intention to rejuvenate the structure and provide a more functional use that would better serve the community."
The council received several offers for the run down building which is daubed in graffiti – but the total paid for it has not been revealed.
The three businessmen are planning to build a single-storey extension on the site, which is 10 minutes walk from the city centre.
The conversion has been welcomed heritage experts and visitors to Abbey Park and the nearby sports pitches. Stuart Bailey, chairman of the Leicester Civic Society, said: "I think the cafe idea is a very good use for the building. "Myself and the society would support it being brought back into use rather than becoming more derelict or even lost."
Knighton historian and art deco enthusiast Keith Dickens said: "I welcome the move to open a cafe in the building. Its proximity to the playing fields could make it a viable business. "I expect there will have to be major internal alterations but I hope the external character is restored and retained."