BOSSES behind a six-figure investment of a former bank in Ulverston town centre have submitted a premises licence application to turn it into a new venue called Rioja.

Planning documents have also been submitted that would see the complete redevelopment of the former HSBC bank building in New Market Street, Ulverston.

After HSBC closed at the end of 2016, the 19th century building stood vacant for months before being bought by the Cumbria Teaching Agency.

One of the firm's directors is set to convert the grand building into a restaurant, wine bar and brasserie called Rioja.

Tony Martinez, director at the CTA, said: "We are excited about this new development and what it could bring to the town. We are still fine-tuning our plans but are looking forward to showing just what we have in store for the building."

Mr Martinez has submitted a premises licence application to South Lakeland District Council.

Although at an early stage, the plan is to situate the restaurant on the first floor and the wine bar and brasserie on the ground floor.

Mr Martinez said it was a long-held ambition to one day open a restaurant of his own.

"I've been doing recruitment for 10 years but my family's background was in bars and restaurants. I always wanted to have a wine bar or restaurant - it was always going to happen, it was just a matter of time," he said.

Mr Martinez described the restaurant plan as a "big gamble", but was glad he could offer the people of Ulverston something new.

He said: "I want to bring something that I'm passionate about to the town I work in. If I'm going to do something, I will do it to the best of my ability.

"We've taken a big gamble to make this happen. When I saw it come on the market, I had to go for it."

As well as being a dining location, the CTA will move offices from the Ulverston Business Centre to the building's second floor.