Repair plans for historic former Costa Coffee in Worcester

But planning permission is required before work on the former Costa Coffee in Worcester’s High Street can take place.

The building, which is opposite the Guildhall, has been empty since the coffee chain moved along the High Street to the old Paperchase store last year.

GOLDEN: Lions looking proudly over the high street before the coffee shop closed (Image: Google Maps)

A number of works are proposed including replacing two sash windows and repairing others, replacing floorboards on the ground floor and redecorating.

There are also plans to repair and repaint the golden lion statue that sits on the front wall of the building.

The figure gives a clue to the building’s rich history - it dates back to Medieval times and for centuries was the Golden Lion pub.

Originally built as a merchant’s house in the late 14th or early 15th century, the timber-framed building contains unique pieces of Worcester’s history.

These include the English Civil War era death mask of William Guise, who played a key role in the Battle of Worcester, as well as a replica.

HISTORY: The actress Sarah Siddons performed behind the building (Image: Johnson Fellows)

A plaque installed by Worcester Civic Society also reveals that the famous 18th century actress Sarah Siddons performed in a barn behind the building.

Before the planned works can go ahead, Worcester City Council will need to grant listed building consent.

The building, 31 High Street, is a Grade II listed property and is located at the heart of Worcester’s city centre conservation area.

Planning documents submitted to the council say the landlord wants to “bring the building up to aesthetic and maintenance standards in order to re-let”.

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“The proposed works will be a positive contribution to the community and the local character of Worcester High Street,” the plans state.

“We believe that the proposals will retain and enhance the front elevation in its current form.

“The works will contribute to the continuing retention of the building and provide the required maintenance needed to the property.

“The changes will be ‘like for like’ thus minimising the potential for there to be any harm to the historic fabric of the building.”