THE new owner of a popular former bakery in the centre of Worcester has revealed details of the new restaurant he hoped to open at the site.

Yesterday your Worcester News reported a licensing application had been made for the former Foregate Patisserie – which has lain vacant since it unexpectedly closed its doors in June last year after more than 40 years.

Although it was believed Birmingham-based MyBodega Ltd had hoped to convert the building into a late-night bar, business owner Matt Scriven has now revealed if his application is successful it will become a South American-style restaurant.

The company hopes to model the new premises after its popular Birmingham restaurant Bodega.

Mr Scriven told the Worcester News the restaurant will be open between midday and midnight at the weekend and midday and 11pm at the weekend.

The company has also applied to be able to hold live music events between midday and midnight, although Mr Scrivens said he currently had no plans for live bands at the venue.

He said he hoped the restaurant, which will be able to seat about 65 people, could be up and running by mid-October.

Adrian Field, manager of Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), a non-profit organisation working to promote the interests of companies in the city, said he was pleased to see businesses continuing to invest in the area.

"It is very encouraging to see interest at this unit which has been empty and at a key location in the city," he said.

The application can be viewed at the Guildhall between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Any comments can be made in writing to Licensing Section, Environmental Services, Worcester City Council, Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB by Thursday, August 14.