The coffee chain has filed proposals for a fresh outlet in the former Patisserie Valerie location.
The empty site sits in Long Row, in the heart of Nottingham. Starbucks is seeking permission to establish a new coffee shop in the historic Exchange Arcade.
The corporation has lodged applications for the premises previously occupied by Patisserie Valerie, which departed the city centre location in April 2024 following twelve years of trading breakfast items, beverages, and pastries.
The established business vacated its spot in Exchange Arcade, which faces onto Smithy Row, after negotiations with the property owner broke down.
The request, directed to Nottingham City Council, concerns listed building approval and includes specifications for a thirty-two square metre establishment accommodating twenty-eight customers, featuring a service counter, storage sections, a disabled-accessible lavatory, and additional operational spaces.
Should the proposal gain approval, this would bring the chain’s total outlets in the central business district to six, with almost twelve operating across the wider metropolitan area.
The documentation, prepared by Architecture Design Limited acting for the business, details a commitment to maintaining the heritage of the Grade II* listed arcade, which originally opened its doors in 1929 by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII.
In the supporting design statement, a representative from Architecture Design Limited explained that the proposed works are modest in scope, appropriate in scale, and largely capable of being undone if necessary.
The representative added that the modifications would sustain the ongoing use of the space and are designed to safeguard the distinctive architectural and historical character of the protected structure.
Grade II* listed structures are those designated by the UK government as possessing considerable architectural and historical value.
Because of this protected status, any alterations affecting the exterior or structural elements of a Grade II* listed building require authorization from the local planning authority, which for this case is Nottingham City Council.
The external aspects of the proposal encompass a replacement dark-grey shopfront, Starbucks signage lettering, and a suspended emblem.
Internally, Starbucks is envisioning a full renovation, incorporating American walnut-toned wood, contemporary floor tiles, understated wall colours, brass detailing, decorative pieces, and cushioned seating.
The design statement indicates that the objective is to establish an inviting, hospitable, and premium Starbucks experience within the traditional commercial context of The Exchange Arcade.