Top eaterie set for town

An application has been lodged with Fylde Council to open a new Gusto restaurant in Dicconson Terrace, Lytham.

If approved, the plans could see the site, in a Grade II-listed building next to Italian eaterie Spago, transformed and join several popular restaurants in the town centre.

Robert Silverwood, vice-chairman of the Lytham Business Partnership, said the group would welcome the arrvial of another restaurant chain in the town centre – adding it may bring extra visitors.

He added: “They (Gusto) must have seen the potential of the area.

“Lytham attracts people to dine out but who have disposable income. Restaurants want to capitalise on that.

“The fact they are coming is not surprising – that building has been empty for some time.

“I just think it will have to earn its place among a strong independent scene.

“In a sense they are being quite brave but being a big restaurant chain they have time to establish themselves.

“It may bring extra footfall to the town too, which can only be a good thing.”

The company has around a dozen restaurants in cities across the UK, including Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Food includes a range of Italian cuisine, as well as drinks and cocktails.

If the application is approved, Gusto will join restaurants in the quarter including Bosco, Java, Mohshina, Henrys, Spago, Capri and Portofino.

In a planning statement submitted by Emery Planning on behalf of Gusto Restaurants Ltd, planning expert Clare Gascoigne said the project would respect the town centre’s heritage.

She added: “The proposed internal and external modifications have been designed to respect the character of the listed building and the conservation area whilst meeting the client’s requirements of providing a new restaurant and bar.

“The proposal will allow for an improved appearance and will bring long vacant town centre units back into full time use.”