STUMBLING blocks that have prevented a new Coal Grill and Bar from opening at Gloucester Docks have finally been removed to allow builders to get to work at Pillar and Lucy House.
Planners opened the door for work to begin at the historic listed building after passing the latest plans this week.
An application had been submitted in May to carry out urgent work at the site, helping transform it into a bustling new waterside eatery.
Two months on and those plans have now sailed through, paving the way for the latest new restaurant to open its doors in just a few weeks time. The first diners are expected to sit down by the end of August, a delay of a few weeks from the original projected July opening.
Internal and external alterations to the listed building will now take place, including to doors and windows, alterations to walls, a new staircase and a new external canopy and lighting.
The new restaurant will provide around 30 new jobs.
Shoppers had mixed views on the new addition to the city.
Angela Whitton, 21, from Stonehouse, said: "I've been to the Coal in Bristol and enjoyed the atmosphere, quite relaxed but the food was good."
David Melton, who lives in Hucclecote, said: "On one hand it is good to see these old buildings being used and that area being developed, but you wonder if it is overkill and the effect it will have on other businesses elsewhere in Gloucester. They must worry about the competition, but choice is always good."
Famous TGI Fridays is also set to open, offering the county its second branch alongside the one in Cheltenham. TGI will bring a further 80 jobs to Gloucester, and is due to open on August 1.
John Gater, managing director of Coal Grill and Bar Group, said: "We are very excited to open up a new Coal Grill and Bar at Gloucester Quays later this summer. This will be the group's eighth restaurant with two more opening later in the year in Telford and Swindon so it's a very exciting time for us.
"The location at Gloucester Quays is great for our restaurant, with an attractive waterside setting and the retail and cinema complex right next door."
