A former Prezzo restaurant in the heart of Ely is in line for a significant transformation if new planning proposals are approved. East Cambridgeshire District Council received an application in March detailing plans to convert the vacant 12-14 High Street premises into a retail space at the rear, alongside a three-bedroom flat above.
Prezzo announced its closure of the Ely location in April 2023, citing escalating costs for ingredients and energy as key factors. The move followed a period of financial difficulty for the chain, which entered administration in 2020 before being acquired by private equity firm Cain International.
The new application seeks permission for a timber-framed shop front to be installed at the rear of the Grade II-listed building. Importantly, developers state the exterior will remain largely unchanged, preserving the historical character of the property which stands directly opposite the iconic Ely Cathedral.
Internally, the plans involve a considerable amount of work, including the demolition of more recent partition walls and staircases, and the installation of new divisions to accommodate the proposed retail and residential spaces. The first floor will be converted into a modern three-bedroom flat, boasting an ensuite bathroom, living room, kitchen and access to a roof terrace. Plant machinery will be housed on the second floor.
The application emphasises a “car-free” development, leveraging the central location and readily available public transport links. The design and access statement asserts that the changes will have a negligible impact on nearby listed buildings, as the focus is on internal alterations and utilising an existing brownfield site—an area previously used for development.
Developers highlight that the mixed-use approach – combining retail on the ground floor with residential above – is fitting for a city centre location. They also state that the plans will optimise the use of space within the existing structure.
The proposals represent a potential boost for Ely High Street, bringing a vacant building back into use and providing both retail and residential opportunities.
