NEWPORT's former High Street Post Office looks set to be a restaurant once again as plans are unveiled to reopen it.

Following Italian cuisine chain Prezzo closing its Island restaurant earlier this year, the iconic Grade II listed building in the heart of Newport has stood empty.

A licensing application appeared in the window of the empty shop in August, seeking a premises licence for Loungers UK Limited to sell alcohol and late-night refreshments.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Now confirming the national hospitality brand will come to the Island, Loungers has submitted three planning applications to install extraction systems and make external changes to the listed building.

Signage on the planning application shows the new lounge will be called 'Correo'.

Loungers run two types of its neighbourhood-style cafe and bar establishments, either a Lounge or Cosy Club, although planning documents do not confirm which the Newport branch will be.

Planning documents, submitted by agent D2 Planning Limited, said alterations to the front of the premises will include painting part of the facade green and installing hanging globe lighting.

The planning agents said the proposals would not impact the original features of the property but have a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the heritage asset.

Inside, some assets of the former Prezzo restaurant will be retained while others refurbished and new elements, such as bar counters, installed.

On its website, Loungers says it has a target to open 25 new sites a year.

To view the plans you can visit the council's planning register. Comments on the applications can be submitted until either October 22 or 29.