Plans to open up the historic undercroft beneath Montezuma's for public events have been approved.

The Bridge Street venue recently secured listed building consent from Cheshire West and Chester Council to bring the historic space beneath its Grade I listed store back into use.

Plans will see the undercroft transformed into a space for small-scale chocolate tastings, talks, workshops and community events.

Planning documents state the aim is to preserve the character of the space while allowing more people to experience and appreciate its historic significance.

The approved scheme includes minor internal works to expose more of the undercroft frontage, the removal of modern internal stud walls, internal redecoration, and alterations to the shopfront and external signage.

The Bridge Street venue has secured listed building consent from Cheshire West and Chester Council (Nub News)

No extensions are proposed, with all works taking place within the existing building.

In the design and access statement, Montezuma's said the proposals had been designed to be "minimal, reversible and respectful" of the building's historic fabric, with the aim of enhancing public access to and appreciation of the undercroft while supporting the building's long-term viable use.

advertisement

The application also states that the historic character of the undercroft will be preserved, with any lighting, ventilation and safety measures designed to be as unobtrusive and reversible as possible.

Recommending the application for approval, the council's conservation officer raised no objections to the proposals, stating: "It is considered that the proposed works would have no material effect on the significance of the affected area/building as a heritage asset."