AN artisan market hall serving food and drink to diners in communal seating could take up residence in an empty London Road building.

The proposal for a change of use at the old J&S Motorcycle store – next door to Waitrose and vacant since 2010 – has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The applicant, ‘Artisan Market Halls (20 London Road)’, says the boutique offering concept would bring five food operators to the complex, as well as a café, deli and bar.

A new gym was granted planning permission to open at the site in September – after TK Maxx's plans to move in fell through in 2017 – but the building remains vacant.

A planning statement said the market hall’s food operators could serve up to 200 customers, with the café a further 40. The complex would create 42 jobs.

It said: “The proposed Artisan Market use is a distinctive concept of small ‘boutique’ food offerings within an attractively presented shared space and is a form of development not found in Barons Quay or elsewhere in the town centre.

“It is therefore considered that the proposed development would not adversely affect the vitality and viability of the Barons Quay development by directly competing with similar uses provided within that complex.

“Instead the proposal would provide an appropriate use in this town centre location, occupying an existing building which has been vacant since 2010.”

The two-storey building – to be reclad to bring about a ‘striking modern’ appearance – would also offer function rooms on each floor.

Proposed hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm and Sunday, 8am to 9pm.

While no car parking would be provided, the application cites nearby bus stops and public parking facilities, as well as the neighbouring Hayhurst Quay development’s cycle shelter.