A British shoemaker could soon take over a former luxury beauty clinic on Watergate Street.

Loake Shoemakers has applied for planning permission to convert 10 Watergate Street, previously home to Glossed, a beauty clinic that opened in 2022.

Founded in 1880, the family-owned brand specialises in men's handmade Goodyear-welted shoes. It already operates a store in Chester, at 16 Eastgate Street.

The Watergate Street building features a medieval undercroft at street level, with upper storeys dating mainly from the 17th and 19th centuries.

According to the application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council, proposed changes are limited to glazing, doors, non-illuminated signage and decoration.

No extensions or additional floorspace are planned, with all works confined to the existing ground floor shop unit.

Referring to the changes as "modest and appropriate", the design and access statement reads: "The continued retail use supports the long-term viable use of the listed building, contributes to the vitality of The Rows, and represents a sustainable form of development through the reuse of existing historic fabric."

You can find the planning application here.

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