Bury St Edmunds pub The Grapes set for improvements to ensure its 'economic viability'
A brewery is set to make a range of improvements at a Bury St Edmunds town centre pub including easier access to its courtyard.
Greene King wants make alterations at The Grapes, in Brentgovel Street, to ensure its 'economic viability' following the pandemic.
In proposals submitted to West Suffolk Council, an internal structure and doors would be removed to create a pathway connecting St Andrew's Street North with the pub's courtyard.
The move would restore the appearance and layout of the Grade II listed pub closer to its original design.
Other works include new seating and lighting, new decoration to the courtyard and the installation of a new gate.
Paving to the patio would also be improved.
A planning document from agent Blackdog said the provision of new outdoor space ensures the indoor areas of the pub are 'less prone to overcrowding and make it possible to maintain a greater distance between customers'.
It added: "It is considered that these proposals will be to the benefit of the building both in terms of presentation of the site and ensuring the economic viability of the pub going forward into the future.
"The alterations proposed will better integrate the public house with the high street and contribute to its vibrancy.
"This is of particular importance in light of the frequent closures of local pubs and their disappearance as community assets in their own right."