CAD Architects : Featured in this week's West Briton - Falmouth's historic Custom House could become bar and restaurant

Thursday, May 30, 2013
West Briton

THE historic former Custom House in Falmouth could be transformed into a bar and restaurant.

The Stable Bar and Restaurants Ltd of Dorset are interested in taking on the prominent building.

CAD Architects are developing proposals for a change of use of the grade two listed building and have submitted an application to Cornwall Council.

Falmouth Town Council's planning committee are expected to recommend supporting the application on Monday.

It feels it will enhance and preserve an historic building.

There has been a custom house in Falmouth since 1650, but this particular building was not opened until 1792.

It was used by Custom and Excise until last year, when the UK Border Agency decided to close it.

It was the service's last remaining outpost and was central to the seizure of drugs worth more than £100 million in the past decade.

The architects have said in a design statement they plan to reveal the building's historic period features in any renovation.

One of the biggest changes would be the installation of a double-width staircase.

It is hoped its creation would turn the area into a feature showing off the historic function of the building.

A design statement written by CAD states:"It is genuinely felt the design offers a real potential to evoke a reaction from the individual who would not ordinarily take an interest in the design, details or past functions of an historic building."