Pasta restaurant could open in former home of Norwich classical music shop Prelude Records

Andrew Cane, who owned Prelude Records. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Prelude Records, in St Giles Street, closed its doors for the final time at the end of March, following more than 30 years in the city.

The building is currently empty, but plans have been lodged with Norwich City Council for it to be turned into a pasta restaurant.

Norwich-based Turco's Hospitality has submitted an application with City Hall to change the use of the building from retail to a restaurant.

In documents lodged with the city council, the applicant says the new restaurant would create four full-time jobs and two part-time jobs.

Surveyors PlanSurv, on behalf of Turco's Hospitality, said: 'The proposal will bring a vacant retail unit into commercial use, attracting customers, and thus bringing their spending power to the city of Norwich.

'The proposed use is anticipated to provide employment for six employees as well as temporary construction jobs during the restaurant fit out.'

The applicant says that internal alterations will be needed to provide a restaurant seating area, kitchen, toilet and disabled toilet.

But, with the building within a conservation area, they say the external facade will not be changed, other than installing new signs.

A decision on whether to grant planning permission for the new restaurant will be made by the city council in the months ahead.

When Andrew Cane, the owner of Prelude Records, announced the shop was to shut, he said increasing costs and 'huge changes' in the record industry had made the closure inevitable.

He said at the time: 'It has been such a pleasure sharing with you our deep love of music over the last 31 years.

'Norwich is one of the few places in the UK to have kept its specialist classical record shop for so long, and that is thanks to you – our amazingly supportive customers.

'Thank you all for your custom and encouragement over the years.'