A SOUTHAMPTON office block could be transformed into a new restaurant should plans be approved by civic chiefs.

An application to turn an office block on High Street into a restaurant and cafe has been submitted to Southampton City Council.

The office block, which is currently used by Prince’s Trust Charity as an office and drop-in centre, would have the ground floor and basement transformed to accommodate the restaurant.

The proposals submitted to the council have given no insight into what the restaurant will be.

The change of use would involve a few changes to the external appearance of the building, and a new mechanical extract ventilation duct would be located towards the rear of the building.

The plans are to include small ‘lightwells’ to the rear of the building to allow natural light and ventilation of the existing basement.

There would also be a new internal stair is proposed to make the unit self-contained with the existing stair located in the existing main entrance to be blocked up.

Replacement shop fronts and windows in black aluminium to match the existing are also included as part of the application along with new entrance doors located on the west side of the building.

The proposals also detail plans for a relocated and secure storage area for bicycles.

Although the plans do not detail any opening times, it has been assured that the new restaurant would not be open any later than 11pm each evening.

The applicant has also said in their plans that the restaurant would be subject of a noise insulation scheme that would ensure that the residents nearby would not be affected by the noise.

A decision is yet to be made on the plans by city council planners.