AN HISTORIC pub in Christchurch is planning to undergo a refurb, which it hopes will attract more locals to the venue.

The Ship in the High Street is seeking permission from BCP Council to re-arrange its layout to create additional seating for customers and upgrade its toilet facilities. The plans involve getting rid of the existing facilities and a rear corridor that form part of a modern extension to the pub. The toilets would be moved to the first floor and the front entrance lobby adapted to create an “open dining experience with separate bar area”.

The Ship is a Grade II listed building so careful consideration will be given to the plans by council planning officers.

Although the facade of the pub is 19th century, the building’s history can be traced back to the 1600s, and it was a known haunt of smugglers.

Set Square Studio, which is acting on behalf of the pub in the planning application, said: “Our client wishes to keep this a food and drink orientated local pub, which will continue to serve the community. They are fully aware of the prominent location of the public house and the alterations that are proposed have emerged from lengthy meetings on site and desktop analysis.

“The brief to us is to enhance the customer experience and reduce the disjointed feeling of the trade space, but retain the character and ambience of the building whilst rationalising the modern alterations.

“Our client is hopeful of attracting more locals to the pub limiting the amount of traffic generated and reducing problems associated with vehicle movement.

“As part of our proposal the internal layout space within the public house is planned to be rearranged to create a more open dining experience with a separate bar area. The existing public house has been extended to and altered internally previously; this has lead to the situation whereby a narrow trade area now exists. The toilets are proposed to be removed from the modern rear extension and relocated sympathetically to the first floor, respecting the historic fabric at first floor level. The current modern extension that currently houses the toilet and kitchen facility does not contribute to the historic character of the structure.”

A decision will be made in the coming weeks.