Architects images show how the owners of an Italian restaurant plan to transform empty landed in the heart of Ponteland.
Last June the owners of the Railot Italian restaurant in Ponteland first launched plans to create The Orchard, so it could serve food in an outdoor area at the back of the main building.
Rialto has now submitted plans to change the use of the land in the Northumberland village, having already secured licensing permission to create The Orchard, a social space it says will be to promote local businesses, food and drink stalls.
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Documents submitted by Collaborative design and GW Architectural company as part of the application show how it would look.
A design and access statement, which outlines how it would be made up of market stalls, retail units and food vendors, spaced out over around 13,000sqft, states: “The total capacity the Orchard will accommodate 350 people, 276 seated guests on the ground floor and mezzanine level with a remainder of 74 visitors able to peruse the stalls and units.
“The proposal involves an entrance arch which is located off the car parking area. The semi-circular plan which reflects the curve of the River Pont provides a sheltered area with private seating booths, these continue up onto the mezzanine level.
“Food and drink stalls are located within the site. There are 186 seats located on the ground floor with a further 90 on the mezzanine. A designated smoking area with an exit is provided to the far west of the development leading directly to the parking area.
“The proposal involves a canopy over the Market Square which will reach 9.2m (30ft) at the ridge, reflecting the current diverse roofscape. The proposed riverside trees surround the external boundary providing an enclosure and forming a tree line enhancing the qualities of the conservation area.
“The trees mask the proposed building and restore the visual quality of this stretch of the river Ponte.
“The materiality of the proposed design will consist of Larch Timber Cladding with planting of flowering species to enhance the biodiversity of the conservation area. A Larch fence with extensive fruit tree planting will be provided within the curtilage of the garden area and beyond.
“The double height shipping containers, at either side of the site, will be painted anthracite with extensive planting of flowering species to again reflect the nature of the site.
“The Orchard will be formed of structural columns and beams which support the mezzanine level and lid roof.
“Structural glass balustrades will be used on the mezzanine level with a painted metalwork staircase leading up to it. A chino coloured canvas canopy with support poles will stretch over the perimeter of The Orchard via the structural points of the building.
“The space accommodates for all ages with a family area located through the Archway Garden Entrance. A tree will form a centrepiece for The Orchard with market stalls situated around.
“WC’s are located to the west of the development. All pedestrian access to the site is via a turn off in West Road. An existing foot bridge which spans over the River Pont from Callerton Lane will be used as an emergency exit route only.
“Vehicular access will be through a one-way system from West Road. The existing parking arrangements to the rear of Lloyds TSB, HSBC and Rialto restaurant will be unaffected.”
The application will go before Northumberland County Council planners soon.
