A BARBER shop could soon open in an empty former city centre boutique under new plans.

The application by Simon White asks for permission to convert the former Sassy Boutique in Reindeer Court off Mealcheapen Street in Worcester into a new barber shop.

The former clothes shop and grade II listed building, which used to form part of the city’s historic Reindeer Inn, from where Reindeer Court takes its name, has been empty since 2020.

A statement included with the application said: “The applicant has relocated to Worcester following the acquisition of the unit for the purposes of starting a new barbering business which seeks to offer affordable haircuts and beard trims to the gentlemen of Worcester.

“The applicant believes that the proposed addition of a men’s barbershop would complement the other female-focused hairdressers, nail and beauty salons within the Reindeer Court precinct.

“This application is made to address the minor internal alterations to a listed building.

“The proposed work is unlikely to have any significant impact on the heritage asset or any historically important elements of the listed building fabric.”

The barber shop would be the latest addition to the city centre’s Reindeer Court following the opening of the Fox and Fortune tattoo parlour and handmade dog clothes store Hugo and Ted in recent months and Jak's Coffee Shop at the end of last year.

Earlier this month Bottles Deli and Rotisserie in Reindeer Court was put up for sale by owner Richard Everton alongside flagship bar Bottles in nearby New Street.

Mr Everton described the move as “testing the market” and said “business would continue as usual” at both venues.

Permission to convert an empty unit at Reindeer Court into a Thai massage parlour and beauty salon was approved by Worcester City Council last year.

The number of new businesses opening in Reindeer Court come a year on after questions were asked of landlords Fisher German over the number of units left empty by businesses leaving.

You can still have your say on the latest plan for Reindeer Court by visiting Worcester City Council’s website.

The application number is 22/00634/LB and consultation ends on August 24.