The former Marks & Spencer building in Weston-super-Mare could be converted into a pub and gaming centre.

M&S closed its High Street store for the final time in April 2019 after 112 years in the town. Now, the building could be set for a new lease of life.

Amber Taverns, which runs 154 pubs across the UK, has applied to turn the building into “drinking establishment” and gaming centre.

The plans would see the building subdivided into the drinking establishment, adult gaming centre and two smaller units. 

Amber Taverns would take on the pub, creating around 30 jobs, but occupiers for the other units are “yet to be secured”.

The first floor of the new facility would feature a roof terrace with a beer garden and the manager's quarters, including an office, kitchen, bathroom, store and two bedrooms.

The planning application, submitted by PWA Planning on the applicant's behalf, says: “Amber Taverns are passionate about public houses and the communities that they serve.

“Rather than just purchasing existing pubs, Amber Taverns invest heavily in restoring and creating new premises that are often in conservation areas or listed buildings.”

Weston Mercury: Some changes to the Regent Street elevation are proposed under the plans.Some changes to the Regent Street elevation are proposed under the plans. (Image: Google Street View)

The building would be altered to create a manager's entrance and a new main entrance from Regent Street, plus some modifications to the windows. 

A section of the roof would be removed to create a roof terrace on the first floor.

The noise assessment attached to the application ‘understands’ there will be karaoke booths and amplified music at the venue. 

The applicant adds: “There are no proposed kitchen facilities, and the applicant will not serve food other than basic bar snacks, with no cooking or heating required.

“The proposals will create part-time and full-time for jobs that are available to local people, while the re-use of the unit will also increase local spending within the town centre.”

The proposed opening hours are 10am until midnight from Monday to Thursday, 10am until 2am on Friday and Saturdays, and 11am to 11pm on Sunday.

The application can be viewed on the North Somerset Council planning portal (reference number 22/P/2962/FUL).

The deadline for comments is Monday, February 20. A decision is expected to be made on Thursday, March 16.