Express & Star

Restaurant plan for old Walsall bar which shut down last year

A former bar which closed down a year ago could be converted into a new restaurant if plans are given the go-ahead.

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The former R1 Bar in Anchor Parade, Aldridge. PIC: Google Street View

LCP Securities Limited have put forward a proposal to breathe new life into the old R1 Bar unit which is based in Anchor Parade, in Aldridge town centre.

They said the new restaurant would fill a now empty unit and bring ‘vitality and viability’ to Aldridge’s main shopping area.

On October 21 last year, R1 Bar bosses announced they would be closing their doors for the last time nine days later, citing issues over the previous two years such as the cost of living crisis.

Agents D2 Planning Limited said: “The impact of the proposed development on the retail focus of the primary shopping area of the centre would have no detrimental impact.

“However, the use would bring back into use a unit which has been vacant. In summary, the proposed development will see the change of use of an existing non-retail unit, it will add to the vitality and viability of the Aldridge Shopping Centre.

“The proposal retains the existing shop front and the unit would be open during the day, so that no dead frontage would result.”

On the R1 Bar Facebook post read:  “A SAD BUT HAPPY POST! We are saddened to announce that given events of the past two years and the cost of living increases, the R1 bar will be closing its doors for the final time at mid-night on Sunday 30th October.

“We have met some great people in the past five years and ones that I refer to as friends. The experience has been challenging but one that I have equally enjoyed.

“One of the things I have learnt, is that Aldridge knows how to party and so we are going out in style.”