An Aberdeen shoe shop is being turned into a restaurant under plans submitted to Aberdeen city council.
The local authority has received a planning application to convert Clarks shoe shop at 123 Union Street into a food and drink outlet.
A planning statement by Ryden, agents for the application, said their client purchased the Category C-listed building in June 2018 and immediately offered Clarks, as the existing tenant, the opportunity to renew their lease.
But it added: “Despite being offered a significantly reduced rent, Clarks were not willing to accept, due to a decision to consolidate their existing store at the Union Square shopping complex.”
The premises were therefore placed on the market to let, but there was “no interest” from any retail operators.
However, the planning statement added the property had attracted a response from food and drink operators, which explained the application for change of use.
Ryden said the restaurant would serve walk-in customers in a busy area, adding that their plans suited the council’s Local Development Plan, which seeks to pedestrianise a section of Union Street between Bridge Street and Market Street.
