A DILAPIDATED empty shop unit in the centre of Christchurch will be turned into a trendy bistro-style eatery following a successful planning appeal.

Alex Reilley, owner of Loungers, a chain of popular cafe bars, has been granted permission to build another successful family friendly eatery in the rundown Superbuys shop in the High Street.

The new bar will go in next door to the recently opened Pizza Express, with hopes to have it open by September.

Alex said: “We are really pleased.

“It’s been a long and frustrating journey to get here but at least we can move forward now. The hope is that we will probably be on site in the next couple of weeks and look to open at the end of summer.

“I think the work will really lift the arcade and make it very attractive.

“We’ve been told that people in Christchurch want to see us here and now we are looking forward to opening and welcoming them.”

The application has been particularly contentious after it was turned down twice by Christchurch Borough Council due to a policy which advises no more than 20 per cent non-retail uses in the town. This was despite a survey carried out in May last year revealing there was already 25 per cent.

Alex added: “We’re sure that despite the council’s reservations this will be a real asset to the town centre and help to transform what is an eyesore at one of the main entrances to Christchurch.”

Loungers have a range of bars in the area.

They include Ludo Lounge, which is in Southbourne, and the Westbourne-based Circo Lounge.

The Christchurch restaurant would be able to seat up to 120 people. It is planned to have a new frontage fitted just behind the existing shop line, to allow for a small area of outside seating.

The former Superbuys unit has been empty for more than 18 months.