A former Michelin Guide restaurant could be set for a new lease of life with a half-million-pound overhaul if ambitious plans are approved.

The empty Old Wine Warehouse in Ramsgate could be transformed into a bar, cafe, ‘creative hub’ and performance venue.

Located in Charlotte Court, the Victorian building was originally home to family wine merchants Page & Sons, and the restaurant it once housed launched in 2009 under the name Age & Sons with siblings Toby and Harriet Leigh at the helm.

However, since closing in 2014 the property has remained vacant and Heritage Lab CIC has now revealed plans to turn the space into a creative hub with cafe and a bar.

Speaking about the scheme, bosses behind the project vowed to inject half a million pounds into the building and hub.

“Heritage Lab plans to open a hub of creativity, community and innovation with diverse members that make Ramsgate’s community unique.

“It will create space anyone can use, to build excitement, energy and optimism, to champion ideas and opportunity, and to help make Ramsgate thrive.

“This historic building is the perfect space to create a vibrant multi-purpose community and arts venue supported by a modern destination cafe and restaurant serving high quality locally produced produce which will be attractive to tourists and locals alike.

“Research conducted with Canterbury Christ Church University identified a need for more creative work accommodation in the town and Heritage Lab’s first venue will provide much-needed co-working space for those working in the creative sector and a brand new intimate performance venue for the local community and tourists.

“Full of original features, the building is in need of little restoration to breathe new life into it to create a thriving hub in the local community and town centre.

“The co-working space will open after refurbishing the building on the first floor overlooking the tranquil Charlotte Court, and will provide superfast fibre broadband, private booths and break-out areas.”

If approved, the plans would see three new co-working spaces open up alongside a performance venue, a basement bar and a cafe/restaurant complete with an outdoor seating area.

It is hoped with weekly performances attracting around 10,000 visits a year, the plans could create between 15 and 25 new jobs on site and support up to 75 creative jobs – helping to stimulate further growth in the economy.

The property has a colourful history having played host to a martial arts club and a shop between its years as a wine warehouse and a top-rated eatery.

Funded through a series of grants and loans from Kent County Council, Kent Community Foundation and the Architectural Heritage Fund, Heritage Lab have confirmed it is open to receiving applications to fill the hub.

Derek Murphy, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “Kent’s No Use Empty scheme is pleased to be working with Heritage Lab CIC to bring this commercial property in a conservation area back into use.

“The property has been vacant for nine years and, once refurbished, it will provide new employment opportunities for local people and make a significant contribution to the regeneration of Ramsgate town centre.”