A thriving pizza business which began at Radcliffe market has been granted permission to open a restaurant in a former nightclub building.
Those behind Luisa’s Cucina are transforming the former Venue 45 building on Church Street West in the town into a licensed restaurant.
Luisa’s, specialising in wood-fired pizzas baked at 480 degrees, has temporarily closed at the market outlet as preparations are made to open the restaurant.
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Bury Council recently approved a change of use for the premises to restaurant for vacant ground floor commercial unit of the three-storey property.
The unit was formerly in use as Taskers Dance Centre and most recently a live music venue and nightclub but has been vacant since 2012.
At the back of the premises is a large public car park and above the new restaurant on the first and second floors are eight flats.
Luisa’s Facebook page posted an update on the restaurant plans on Monday.
It stated: “Our new restaurant is heading in to its crucial final few weeks of development. We are so proud of how far it’s come from the empty white box it was when we started.”
The post added that since renovation started a new open-plan kitchen with a brand new wood fired oven had been built, a bar fitted out and the entrance to the building had been altered to allow better access for people with reduced mobility.
A statement in support of the plans published on Bury Council’s website, said:
“The proposed use will bring vacant floorspace in the town centre back into active, viable use. The unit is to be occupied by Luisa’s Cucina, who currently operate from Radcliffe Market.
“The proposals will therefore also enable an existing small local business to expand in Radcliffe. The application proposes opening hours from noon until 10pm Monday to Saturday, and from noon until 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
“These opening hours have been proposed to allow some flexibility, as the applicant intends to remain closed on Sundays and Mondays, and open from 5pm on Tuesday to Thursday.”
The application concluded: “. The proposals will allow vacant floorspace to be occupied with a viable and active use, helping to enhance the vitality and viability of Radcliffe town centre.
“The development will provide economic, social and environmental benefits and constitutes sustainable development.”
