A DEVELOPER which is in the process of rebuilding a shopping centre has applied to turn a former florist shop into a restaurant and gin bar.

Milburngate (Durham) Ltd has applied for planning permission to allow them to turn two of the units in the former Gates shopping centre in Durham into a bar.

The company is currently redeveloping the shopping centre, which has been rebranded as The Riverwalk and is due to be completed by summer 2018.

It has applied for a change of use and the erection of new signs, lamp, hanging baskets and planter boxes for the unit formerly occupied by Stephanie’s Flowers.

The building, in Framwelgate Bridge, is listed and is thought to date from at least the 16th century – though some sources say it could have been built in the 13th or 14th century, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the UK. .

It is one of five historic buildings which were part of Milburngate and was substantially or entirely rebuilt when the Gates was first built in the 1970s.

The application says it is one of a small group of timber-framed structures remaining in Durham and was listed as a public house, called The Horns, in a town plan dating from 1857.

According to the application for new signage, the establishment would be called Old Toms Gin Bar and there are also plans for an outdoor seating and standing area.

The condition of the building is currently not particularly good and needs repair work where water has been getting in, the application adds.

An existing terrace, next to the River Wear, would also be used after 5.30pm.