The Ivy announces plans to open in Exeter, creating 100 new jobs
The Ivy has announced for the second time it plans to open in Exeter.
The iconic London West End theatre restaurant had previously announced it would convert a Waterstones bookshop, but pulled out after receiving planning permission.
It now plans to convert an existing Jack Wills store into The Ivy - opposite a Greggs takeaway and a branch of McDonald's on the High Street.
The planning application says: “The Ivy Collection have been looking to open a restaurant within Exeter over a number of years. Unfortunately, due to commercial reasons and alternative sites found to be not wholly appropriate, The Ivy have been unable to commit to a premises.
"However, this site, 65-67 High Street, has been identified as an appropriate location to open their new restaurant in Exeter."
It's hoped the new restaurant will provide jobs for 100 people.
There will be seating for 137 people inside - spread across two floors - and 52 outside, where diners can look across Cathedral Green. There will also be a private dining room.
The restaurant will offer breakfast through to dinner, a statement confirmed.
It adds: “The Ivy is a well-established reputable restaurant operator with a number of restaurants operating around the country. The reputation of the Ivy, the operating hours, and the “greeters” located at the entrances and exits of the site will ensure that the use will not increase the potential for public disorder or crime within the centre.
“The proposal will provide a complementary use and act as a destination restaurant within Exeter City Centre, thereby enhancing the vitality and viability of the centre as a whole and will result in significant investment into the listed building.”
The statement says that the principle of development has been established for the change of use to a restaurant at the site already as a scheme was approved in 2007, although the planning permission was never implemented.
Exeter City Council planners will consider the proposals.