Listed former Pizza Express building to become a 16-room boutique hotel and cafe

A listed building which formerly housed a Pizza Express restaurant is set to become a 16-room ’boutique’ hotel and café.

Developers Raisfuel Ltd have been granted planning- permission to convert the building on Wood Street in Bolton town centre.

The conversion will see work start to create a 16-bedroom hotel with café on the ground floor.

The works include lowering floor level in the roof space to create bedroom accommodation and division of the first and second floors into en suite bedrooms with six bedrooms per floor.

Two hotel rooms will be at ground floor and two on the mezzanine floor.

The property is a stone built two storey Grade II listed building fronting and dates from the mid nineteenth century.

The building was built as the Bolton Savings Bank, designed by J.E.Gregan in an Italianate palazzo-style.

A planning officer report, said: “The building has been empty for over four years with the interior continuing to deteriorate.

“The proposed change of use would thereby restore the building with minimal external alterations and bring an active use into this part of the town centre.”

A design and access statement in support of the plans, said: “The main element of the proposals consists of the conversion of the entire existing building to create a new boutique apart-hotel.

“The appearance of the building will not significantly change as a result of the proposals.

“As the building is grade II listed the intention is to retain the existing windows and doors, and refurbish and repaint as required.

“It is felt that this will improve the overall appearance of the building.

“The building is starting to deteriorate and is in need of investment and refurbishment.

“The change of use to a hotel would appear to be