AN INTERNATIONAL brewery chain has taken a big step forward towards opening a venue in Bournemouth town centre.

BrewDog, who are based in Scotland, has secured permission from BCP Council to create a pub in an empty restaurant unit at the BH2 complex.

The beer firm submitted two applications to change the use of the premises and install signage at the site underneath the Five Guys restaurant.

Both proposals were approved by officers in the local authority’s planning department.

Bournemouth Echo:

A statement submitted on behalf of BrewDog by Firstplan said: “The applicant – a popular and established nationwide and international brewer, bar and restaurant operator has been searching for a suitable location within Bournemouth town centre to provide its popular hospitality offering.

“The application site is positioned in the centre of town and represents an ideal location for our client to locate their premises.

"They have now agreed to take over the lease on the premises, subject to securing the requisite planning consents.

“The proposed change of use will enable the applicant to begin trading from the premises, whilst also providing a productive, economic use that will create employment and contribute to the vitality and viability of the city centre, and complement and enhance the surrounding area’s existing food and drink offer.

“The proposed signage will reflect our clients well-known and high quality branding visible across their successful portfolio of existing locations across the UK.”

BrewDog sought permission to open from 10am to midnight Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to 1.30am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Bournemouth Echo: BrewDog is planning to open a pub in the BH2 complex in Bournemouth

The planning approval, which was issued on December 6, gave a temporary permission with these hours for two years and two months. A condition within the approval set out the hours would revert to closing at 10.30pm Sunday to Wednesday and midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday. BrewDog could apply to change this condition.

From the opening day, the outside area will close at 10pm Sunday to Wednesday and 10.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

A report by a council planning officer said: “It is considered that this particular use would complement the leisure offer within the BH2 complex, but would also support the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

The Daily Echo contacted BrewDog for comment.