A PLAN has been unveiled to transform vacant shop and office premises into a community hub offering “simple hospitality and a listening ear”.

The proposal to create The Livings Rooms, in Garthway Arcade, Northallerton, between the High Street and Applegarth car park, has been submitted to Hambleton District Council.

A spokesman for the project said the building would be used to offer specific support, or signposting to specialised agencies. He said: “Duplication of existing services will be avoided, but as far as practicable it will be a ‘one stop shop’ where statutory and voluntary agencies can collaborate in nurturing the well being of those in need of support.

“The space will also be a base for Hambleton FoodShare, a community partnership between Broadacres, North Yorkshire County Council and Churches Together, which provides emergency food parcels for people in temporary financial crisis who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.”

The premises, which is believed to have been vacant for up to five years, would provide storage for supplies for the Foodshare, and be a distribution point.

Those behind the plans said there would be “scope for simple refreshments”, but a cafe function was not intended. The spokesman said Garthway Arcade featured a wide range of uses, including shops, cafes, a small pub, beauty salons, recreational activity and hot food takeaway. He  said: “In these surroundings with extensive existing footfall the proposed use, and the activity associated with it, would be unobtrusive.”