Owners of a celebrity hangout twice gutted by fire say it’s ‘full steam ahead’ after resubmitting a planning application to the council.
Panacea in Alderley Edge suffered severe damage during blazes in September 2008, and again in March this year.
Both fires are being treated as suspicious by police and resulted in the premises’ long-term closure.
Cheshire Police confirmed to the Express this week that detectives are still hunting for two men seen fleeing the premises in a dark car just moments after it went up in flames in the blaze on March 12.
Now a planning application to return the restaurant and bar to its former glory has been submitted to Cheshire East Council, with a view to opening next year.
Jeannie Pickering, owner of The Yard store, a neighbouring business on London Road, said the redevelopment plan was good news for the village.
Jeannie, a member of Alderley Edge Business Group, said: “They need to rebuild it because it’s an eyesore and anything that puts positive life into the village is good news. I’m not convinced the whole essence of a big nightclub is the right choice. It would be nice if the whole thing became a restaurant, some really nice fine dining would be very welcome. There’s plenty of parking and it would really bring people in.”
The full planning application, submitted by Wellington Pub Company Ltd, seeks permission to reinstate the rear section of the structure back to its original appearance.
A second application to extend the outdoor dining area at the front of the building, install a canopy and change the car parking layout has been already been approved by planners.
It is understood that the majority of the damage in March was caused to the restaurant section of the venue – which had been due to open as a new Piccolino restaurant later this year.
Alderley Edge ward councillor Frank Keegan, who is supporting the plans, said: “If it comes out as Piccolino it’s a good step forward as it’s at the entrance to the village and Piccolino has a very good reputation.”
A favourite with celebrities, Panacea, formerly called Brasingamens, was gutted by fire in September 2008, just days before its lavish opening.
The bar had undergone a £3.2m refurbishment.
About 50 firefighters from crews across Cheshire and Greater Manchester attended the blaze in March.
Garry Foy, general manager at Panacea in Manchester, said the Alderley Edge site has been demolished ready for the work to begin once planning permission is granted.
He said: “Its full steam ahead. The restaurant and bar will open at the same time, we’re hoping that will be sometime next spring if all goes to plan.
“We are keen to keep the plans exactly as they are, with Piccolino taking on the restaurant. There is as much enthusiasm as there was previously.”
A spokeswoman for Piccolino said their plans had been put on hold until the investigation is completed.
