A NEW cocktail bar is set to open in a former photography studio in Warrington town centre.

‘Boutique style’ establishment Gallery 13 will occupy premises on Palmyra Square South previously occupied by Olive Tree Photography.

Warrington Borough Council has approved an application for planning permission in relation to the scheme.

The property is currently vacant, the studio having moved to nearby Springfield Street during the coronavirus pandemic.

Work to convert the premises began earlier this year, with the first floor remaining in use as an office space.

Applicant Cultural Quarter Ltd said in its submission: “This area of Warrington has dozens of empty properties and we feel that this kind of usage, hospitality and the night-time economy, is one the best ways to regenerate the area.

“We plan on using this property for a boutique-style cocktail and lounge bar, selling only exclusive drinks for sale on the premises along with some light food offerings.

“The premises is within Warrington's Cultural Quarter, where there are several other bars and restaurants and we feel this little continental-style boutique wine and cocktail lounge would be a great compliment to the area – which already is well established within the hospitality industry, making Warrington a vibrant place to live and work.

“We are applying for opening times to fall in line with all the other hospitality businesses in the area, with last orders no later than 1am on a Friday and Saturday and earlier on other nights.”

WBC’s consent for the building’s change of use was granted on Friday, October 1.