A FORMER guitar shop in Winchester could be turned into a wine bar according to new plans.

Hayward Guitars, in Stockbridge Road, closed in May after 22 years in business.

Owner Brian Hayward said the closure was down to an increase in online shopping and lockdowns.

A plan has now been submitted to Winchester City Council, by Robert Price, to convert it into a micro craft ale and wine bar.

It would be a 'quiet bar' restricted to over 18s only. 

On the planning statement, it said: “There would be no music, live or otherwise. Entertainment focuses solely on conversation with other patrons. A bar would be located within the premises, from which beverages would be served. Additionally, the applicant plans to serve food. The premises' primary use is proposed as a creative community-orientated hospitality venue.

READ MORE: Hayward Guitars to close as Winchester's last music shop sees drop in sales

“In terms of operational hours, the use would take place between 12pm to 10pm; last orders at the bar would be at 9.40pm, and the site would be cleared by 10.30pm with a gradual dispersal of the patrons. The premises licence application will seek to obtain permission for licensable activities from midday to 11pm, seven days a week.”

The plan will retain much of the current shop frontage, but will carry out some essential repairs.

The statement said: “The proposed changes would not involve any major physical changes to the exterior appearance of the site. However, parts of the existing building are in a poor state of repair, and the applicants plan to undertake essential repairs to the timber pilasters and window architrave on the frontage of the building to enhance the appearance of the area. At the rear of the property, it is proposed to reinstate the door to the rear of the building to provide access for installation of the cellar cooling equipment and maintenance. 

“There is no proposed increases in the floor area or changes to the scale of the property.”

No public comments in support or objection to the scheme have been submitted to the city council.

To view the plans online, search 22/02574/LDP on Winchester City Council's planning portal.