PLANS have been submitted to transform the old M&Co building in Stroud into a large pub. 

A change of use application was recently put forward by applicant Amber Taverns who hopes to create a new “modern” and “attractive” drinking establishment in King Street.

Clothing shop M&Co shut down in April 2023 after the company went into administration.

The application submitted to Stroud District Council says new 20 jobs could be created at the pub, including part-time and full-time roles. 

Pub group Amber Taverns currently has around 170 pubs across the UK including The Doctors in Eastgate Street, Gloucester.

Opening hours and initial plans 

Applicants say they hope the pub will be open from 10am to 12.30am Sunday to Thursday and from 10am to 1.30am on Friday’s and Saturday’s.

However, it is understood the pub would only serve basic bar snacks and not hot meals.

The floor plans show the ground floor will feature a seating area, a bar area, and glass washing areas, along with men’s and disabled toilets.

Stroud News and Journal: Amber Taverns is hoping to open a new pub in a section of the old M&Co - the other side of the building is still for sale Amber Taverns is hoping to open a new pub in a section of the old M&Co - the other side of the building is still for sale (Image: Amber Taverns)

Meanwhile, the first floor will include women’s and extra men’s toilets along with storage areas.

The second floor includes a manager’s flat including three bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and storage.

Proposals also state the premises will have CCTV both internally and externally to discourage anti-social behaviour.

It is understood the other half of the old M&Co building is currently being sold by Sawyers Estate Agents for £425,000.

The three storey building is a former Regency house and used to be department store Lewis & Godfrey's.

The application was officially submitted on Friday, May 24.

Stroud News and Journal: Interior photos inside the old M&Co building which shut down last year Interior photos inside the old M&Co building which shut down last year (Image: Amber Taverns)

"Significant investment" into site 

A planning document reads: “The proposal involves the change of use of the former M&Co to create a drinking establishment which will be operated by the applicant Amber Taverns.

“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.

It continues: “The applicant intends to invest significantly in the site to renovate the vacant premises which were last occupied by M&Co, roughly twelve months ago.

“The proposed development will deliver significant investment into the vacant site that will create further opportunities to revitalise the local area.

"Applicants intend to significantly invest in the site to transform the vacant unit and create a high-quality drinking establishment that will be operated by a reputable enterprise.

“The works undertaken to the King Street elevation will significantly uplift the visual appearance of the site which occupies a prominent town centre position.

“The significant investment and associated works will radically uplift the visual appearance of the building, especially when viewed from King Street.

“The changes both internally and externally have been minimised whereby possible, to help secure the long-term use of this listed building.”

You can view the application quoting S.24/0908/LBC or see here - tinyurl.com/yn4chnc3