A STUDENT bar in the centre of York has drawn up plans for a revamp which its bosses say will secure its future.

Planners at City of York Council are set to assess proposals for altering the Grade II-listed building in Lendal, which houses the Varsity bar, and opening up disused space which was once the site of a bank.

The owners of the chain, which attracts a large student following, said they want to make the business “a more attractive proposition” by removing some walls from the ground floor of the part 17th century and part 18th century structure.

They also say the work, if it wins permission from the council, would open up original features of the bank which have previously been hidden to the public.

“The proposal aims to enhance the quality of the internal space without having any detrimental effect upon the fabric or character of the listed building,” said agents acting for the chain in a design and access statement submitted to the council.

“The removal of selected internal walls will open up the interior, link spaces better and make use of space which has currently fallen into disrepair. This will improve the commercial viability of the establishment, improving its success and ensuring it remains open.” The plan means the former bank offices would become part of the Varsity’s main bar area, making it “a larger and more comfortable space”.

The building where the bar now stands was originally designed as a housing block before being converted into offices and shops in the late 19th century and then becoming a bank in 1959. All the various uses of the site were incorporated into one when Varsity took it over.

A decision on the chain’s revamp proposals is expected to be made next month.