PLANS to transform the former Amber Lounge bar in Chester city centre have been unveiled.

It is proposed to open a new tiki bar at the Grade II*-listed building on Watergate Street Row, called Kahiki.

The venue would mirror the existing Kahiki establishment in Bolton town centre, with plans submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council by entrepreneur Tim Wetjen.

Refurbishment works are sought for the interior of the building, including the replacement of the bar itself, repaired flooring, new toilets, and new external signage.

The interior would receive decor befitting that of a 'tiki bar', with a faux green wall, 'branch-style' timbers to support light fixtures and wrap around columns, and faux planting on the exterior balcony and near seating areas. All heritage beams would be protected and retained and all fixings would be minimised or reused where possible.

The planning applicant said: "The overall aesthetic of the bar seeks to create vast improvements and achieve a more upscale environment. All heritage elements will be respected and have been included in the design as great importance."

Amber Lounge was one of many Chester city centre nightspots until it closed its doors, before reopening under new ownership as the rebranded Amber. However, that venture closed down too, shortly before the onset of the Covid pandemic.

Kahiki opened in Bolton in July 2016, and serves a range of cocktail drinks and beers, as well as being a dance club and nightclub.

Should planning permission be granted, the venue would join a whole host of other food and drink places on Watergate Street, many of which have opened or reopened in recent years.

Nearby cocktail bars include Lono Cove, Palm and Kuckoo on Watergate Street, as well as The Love Shack on Cuppin Street.