A PROMINENT bar owner has plans to re-open a town centre tea-room in Huddersfield and create a late night live music venue.

The plans centre on the former Neaversons shop in Byram Street.

The Grade I listed unit is in one of the town centre’s landmark buildings but due to spiralling running costs a previous cafe there was closed last year.

Now businessman Lee Alderman, who owns the Zephyr Bar in King Street, has applied to Kirklees Council to open the tea rooms and extend the opening hours to allow restaurant service.

A separate application has also been submitted for an alcohol licence and live music.

Mr Alderman, 38, said in his application to Kirklees Council: “We want to change the hours of use to offer evening and restaurant service.

“I hope to run the tea house during the day with some evening opening.

“I would like the hours of use to change to 8am to midnight Saturday and 8am to 6pm Sunday.”

Mr Alderman has links with several businesses including Wonderbar and Two Tone Entertainment.

The Byram Street premises were last run by local businessman Gerrard John as Gerry’s Tea Room until November last year.

Mr John is still locked in a tenancy dispute with Kirklees Council.

The vintage tea room received good reviews from customers who enjoyed the old-fashioned surroundings, complete with fine china and white linen tablecloths.

The business opened in the former Neaversons showroom, which had been a family business selling high quality glass and china.

It began life in 1893 in premises on Cross Church Street, Huddersfield, before moving to the Grade I-listed Byram Street building in 1935.

Neaversons glass and china shop closed in 2007.

A Kirklees Council spokesman confirmed the new application had been received.

She said: “The licence for Neaversons has not yet been granted. The objection period doesn’t close until June 6.

“There will be a Licence Panel hearing on July 4 if any objections received are still outstanding.”