Major pizzeria plans for former French Connection unit

Plans to turn the former French Connection unit on Victoria Street in Nottingham city centre into a pizzeria have been submitted to the city council.

Mission Mars wants to transform the listed building into a Rudy’s restaurant.

The move comes just weeks after bar operator Arc Inspirations finally backed out of siting one of its Manahatta bars in the unit because of concerns about its heritage status.

A planning statement from FirstPlan reads: “The proposals will enable Rudy’s to take occupation of the vacant commercial space and convert it into their Neapolitan Pizza restaurant concept, whilst having a minimal impact on the listed building.

“The proposals relate to the ground and basement floors of the building only, and are also limited to the interior of the building with no external works proposed as part of this application. The internal works have been kept as light touch as possible, in line with Rudy’s minimalist design principles, consisting of just a few lightweight additions to ensure an attractive and efficient open-plan layout that suits the operational requirements of the applicant.”

Nottingham City Council planning officials will consider the proposal over coming weeks.