A former bar in Derby city centre is to be converted into plush serviced offices, featuring an in-house cafe and cinema room.
Earlier this year, property management firm Staton Young Group applied to Derby City Council to transform the ex-Bar Soba premises, in Victoria Street.
Now, the authority has given the plans, which involve turning all three floors of the Grade II-listed building into 20,000 sq ft of office space, the go-ahead.
The property, known as the Old Post Office, has been empty since September after Bar Soba vacated the premises.
The building was then snapped up by Staton Young and an application was lodged for the offices, which will fall under the firm’s Cubo brand - a new concept that not only offers private office space, but also hot desks and designated desks.
As well as offices, the building, which was originally built in 1869, will feature large communal areas and an in-house cafe. In the basement, a private gym, wellness room and cinema room is planned.
The idea is that tenants will be able to access all of the facilities 24 hours a day.
In the original planning documents submitted by Planning and Design Practice, on behalf of Staton Young, it said: “The unit is currently vacant and has rooms with well-preserved historical features that have been left to fall into disarray.
“It has various fixtures and fittings associated with a night club use that do not contribute positively to the historic character of the building.
“The applicant is keen to restore the redevelop the building in a way that enhances its current state while providing an active and vibrant business.”
The former Bar Soba building commands a prominent position in Victoria Street. Bar Soba first opened at the property towards the end of 2017.
However, it faced strong competition from neighbouring rival bars and after failing to attract enough customers, the venue, which was known for its cocktails and south-east Asian street food, shut its doors for good in September.
At the time, its bosses said it had decided to close the Derby bar and focus on its other outlets in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Leeds.
Granting permission for use as offices, city council planners said: “The application property is within a highly sustainable location and is the preferred location for the new office development to be sited.
“The proposals would bring a prominent listed building back into a viable use, without having an adverse effect on the character of the wider area, or causing any undue harm to the character, appearance or significance of this Grade II-listed building.”
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