As work continues on a major expansion to Emersons Supermarket at Market Street, a planning application has now been submitted for a restaurant too, Armagh I can exclusively reveal.
Work started earlier this year on the site at Market Street, which had previously been the Walkers clothing store.
It means the supermarket will have access via McCrums Court, Scotch Street and Market Street.
Now the family-run business – one of Armagh’s biggest and most popular retail employers – is hoping to branch out again.
An application has been submitted to DoE Planning Service for a restaurant, kitchen and toilet at first floor level, above the extension at Market Street.
Full planning permission is being sought and the application will be advertised next week.
It will, if approved, allow for a restaurant overlooking Market Street, which Armagh City and District Council has been keen to promote as a ‘cultural quarter’ and boost the night time economy in Armagh.
The restaurant would involve the change of use of office accommodation, with amended shop front.
The plans have been drawn up by da architects.
This is just the latest development plan for the Emerson family, which first began trading in the city in 1889.
It recently introduced self service check-outs and plans to relocate Post Office facilities to the popular store are also still under consideration.
When it was first revealed that the TJ Walker store at Market Street had been bought, it was confirmed that it was as part of a major £2 million development plan.
