AN "overgrown and rundown" warehouse which has laid empty for several years could be converted into a café bar.

Richard and Rebecca Kendrick, who live in Prestwich, are the couple behind the plans to develop a new venue in Infant Street, opposite the Heaton Park entrance.

This will be their second venture in the town after opening All The Shapes café bar in 2015.

Their application reads: "We hope to improve the atmosphere and the aesthetic of the area around Stella House by creating an inviting, sociable and respectful space and providing food and drinks that make people feel positive about the area and where it is going. We are professional and considerate people who want the best for Prestwich and the Heaton Park area as a place where we work and live and where our children go to school."

The couple say they are planning a complete facelift of the building, which has become "rundown, neglected and unattractive." The bricked up unit has smashed windows and is "overgrown" with plants.

Improvements would include replacing and fixing windows, replacing or painting wooden fascias, and upgrading the entrances and exits by adding planters and flowers.

"We believe that the area would benefit hugely from a more creative eating and socialising space in this location", they wrote, "We think it would make the area feel more of a community and less of a ‘cut through’. We would strive to improve the spirit and cohesion of the community.

"I think that we could improve quality and aspirations by setting up a lovely social place that sells a high quality level of food and drink and makes people feel at home and valued in their area of residence."

The venue will sell fresh food for brunch and dinner as well as coffee and baked goods. The Kendricks intend to apply to Bury Council for an alcohol licence to sell craft ales, beers, specialist wines and spirits, and also anticipate hosting supper clubs, cheese and wine tasting events and bread baking sessions, to name a few.

Proposed opening times are 9am-10pm on weekdays and weekends, including Bank Holidays. However, the couple added that the venue may open until midnight at weekends. "We would always ensure respect for neighbours and have clear signage and make sure we have staff governing this", they wrote.

Customer entrance would be via Whittaker Lane.

To view the plans, search application 64926 at planning.bury.gov.uk.