A small business hub made from shipping containers is to be built in a neglected part of Cheltenham town centre.

The "unique destination" will be similar to London's trendy Box Park with a bar and cafe and units aimed at "young start-up creative businesses".

Plans submitted by EdgeDesignWorkshop Ltd on behalf of applicant The Yard Bistro show it will be created by adding more shipping containers to the ones already on site.

The plot of land is just off High Street next to the St James Street car park and Cheltenham Model Centre. It was used as an informal bar and restaurant during the pandemic but has been empty since and fallen into disrepair.

The design of the new hub is inspired by Box Park in Wapping Wharf and The Studios on Royal Well Place in Cheltenham which won a Civic Award.

The new site will be leased and managed by anchor tenant The Yard Bistro whose owners “have a long history of food and beverage hospitality, particularly street food,”

The planning statement said: “We have a number of clients looking for small-scale independent retail space in the town so we strongly believe that the site could add a significant energy and commercial return to this part of the high street.”

The two-story hub would have a terrace above the bistro which would be used for public events and meetings. There would also be an internal courtyard area and outdoor seating.

The statement said: “The proposed development enhances a vacant site with a characterful mixed-use development which will provide day and night activity, creating a unique destination within the town centre. 

“The units are aimed at young start-up creative businesses, of which there are few examples in the town centre, however, the success of The Studios demonstrates a clear demand.”

The applicant wanted to stay open until 2am on Fridays and Sarturdays but council offices said this would “give rise to unacceptable noise and disturbance for nearby residential units”.

Permission was granted for it to open Monday-Wednesday 7am -6pm, Thursday-Saturday 7am to midnight and Sundays and Bank Holidays 8am to 5pm.

The external seating cannot be used after 10pm and music cannot be played externally between 9pm and 9am.