A FORMER shoe shop and fashion outlet in Petersfield town centre is to have yet another reincarnation – this time as a ‘small intimate dining area’ says the man behind the proposal.

Steven Farhall, of The Spread Eagle pub on the green in West Liss, bought 6 High Street a year ago and has slowly been making necessary repairs.

He said: “We have submitted an alcohol licence application for alcohol to be served with food only. We have no intention of turning the building into a bar or cafe.

“We are hoping to convert this property into a small, intimate dining venue, as it is a lovely old listed building that lends itself better suited to somewhere people can enjoy its character, like a small restaurant.

“The building needs a lot of work, as a leasehold premises for many years it hasn’t had much maintenance, other than covering up problems with paint and filler!

“We are working with listed buildings architects to deal with the necessary repairs and will keep everyone updated as we progress with the project.

“We have a listed building consent application in with South Downs National Park planners, and it should pop up on their site in the next couple of days for anyone that would like to view and comment on them.”

The 16th century building is now only one third of its original size, and has been a shop since the 1830s, most recently a ladies fashion outlet.