Restaurant's future saved

A Shrewsbury restaurant which faced being bulldozed to make room for town centre apartments has been saved, developers announced today.

Morris Property, which owns the China Rose in St Austin's Street, submitted an application to Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council to build five two-bedroom apartments, three one-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom townhouse at the site.

Council bosses said the proposal involved the demolition of the restaurant, but following meetings, Morris Property today announced it would remain open as part of the plans.

Liz Lowe, company surveyor for Morris Property, said: "We are pleased to announce that we have agreed a mutually acceptable extension for the lease of this popular town centre restaurant, to ensure it can continue to trade from its long established situation for as long as possible.

"The restaurant, currently occupying the first floor of five and six St Austin's Street, forms part of the larger regeneration opportunity.

"A planning application for redevelopment has been submitted to ensure the adjoining buildings can in the future make a beneficial contribution to the area."

Jessica Tse, of China Rose, said: "We are delighted to have negotiated an extension of our current tenancy with Morris Property and are keen to assure customers that its business as usual for everyone at the restaurant."