One of Peterborough's oldest buildings set to open as bar or restaurant?

Dating from the 15th century, the former workhouse in Cumbergate, opposite Carluccio’s, has been used as a beauty salon for more than 30 years by well-known city business Burghley Academy, which has just relocated.

It has a number of period features and a towering glass-topped atrium at the rear.

Now the city’s planners have approved the three-storey building’s change of use to allow it to be operated as a shop, restaurant or bar

The shop and restaurant use are consistent with council policy in the area - close to the revamped Cathedral Square and St John’s Square which has attracted big name restaurant and bar operators in the past couple of years.

Agents for the building owners said use as a bar was also appropriate, as it was one that had been “declining over the last few years with a number of former drinking establishments in and around Cathedral Square changing use to restaurants/cafes.

“The proposal will therefore add to the evening and leisure economy of the city centre.”