Is the iconic Sessions House set to delight Peterborough diners once more?
Peterborough’s iconic Sessions House has been earmarked for development that could see it be brought back into use after more than a decade.
The landmark Grade 2 listed building on Thorpe Road has a colourful history – built in the mid-19th century as the entrance to the old prison it later became a court house.
Having been converted to a pub in the 1980s, city entrepreneur Rinaldo Fasulo bought it in 2002 and ran it as a 200-seater carvery restaurant and bar.
As the neighbouring district hospital was decommissioned, and later demolished, the restaurant closed in 2012 and the grounds have since been used as a car park.
However, an application has been submitted to city planners that would “result in the beneficial re-use of an iconic and long vacant city centre Listed building,” which will see the building become a “key destination in Peterborough” and contribute to the new Station Quarter development
The application seeks planning permission and listed building consent for the partial demolition and enlargement of a rear (1980s) extension together with internal alterations to the building to bring it back into use.
According to the application, work “is restricted to the modification and enlargement of an existing rear extension albeit on a larger footprint.
"There is no change of use and the principle of development is consistent with national and local plan policy which seeks to encourage investment in existing commercial premises.
“This is an iconic and long time vacant Listed building that will be brought back into beneficial use, serving the local community and creating employment. "
It adds: “The proposal represents a modest increase in the size of an existing rear extension that will be visible only in glimpses from public vantage points. Its height is similar to that of the existing extension and a palate of materials of construction is proposed which will harmonise with the principal building.”
Mr Fasulo added: “As part of the first phase of revitalizing the iconic Sessions House, originally built in 1842, we are excited to announce its planned reopening.
"In line with the upcoming Station Quarter developments (which will see a new entrance to the train station from Thorpe Road), our vision is to blend modern, vibrant spaces with the building’s historic charm.
"We are currently awaiting a positive outcome from our planning application, and once approved, Sessions House will become a key destination in Peterborough, contributing to the vibrant new quarter.”