New Asian restaurant and bar on way for former catalogue surplus shop in Shrewsbury

The former Catalogue Surplus Centre shop on Claremont Street in Shrewsbury is currently vacant - but that could be about to change under new plans submitted to Shropshire Council this week.

A new Thai start-up business has taken over the building - and says it plans to turn it into an up-market bar and restaurant.

New owners, Birmingham-based Chaipochana Ltd, have applied for a change of use for the former shop unit to open a restaurant, takeaway business and bar. 

"The business is to be called Chaiya, which is of Thia origin meaning Victory; Gleam, Glow. The restaurant will provide Asian cuisine, as well as offering a takeaway service, the bar at the front will provide a space for people to have a drink while they wait for their food," said a statement provided with the application.

"This is a start-up business who have not yet invested in Shropshire, and are looking to find their feet in Shrewsbury. The applicant has seen an opportunity for an Asian restaurant in this town centre location and this will help diversify what Shrewsbury has to offer. 

"It should be recognised that the building is vacant and its use as a restaurant would reintroduce an active frontage to this vacant unit."

The building has been vacant since the former Catalogue Surplus Centre business closed in 2023. 

Now, the new owners are set to improve the frontage of the building along with a glitzy new internal fit-out for the new restaurant and bar, with changes planned including replacement shopfront windows and door, and installation of retractable awning. 

"The front elevation will be improved and made more attractive. The applicant is taking control of the entirety of the building and therefore, will look to improve the overall appearance," the statement adds.

"As the customer walks through the door, they will be greeted by the bar area and the takeaway waiting area, once through this area the customer will be then into the seating area where there will be approximately 50 covers."

The full application can be viewed on the Shropshire Council planning portal under reference 25/01289/FUL.

The scheme will be decided by council planners after the end of the consultation period in June.