AN unnamed major restaurant chain is planning to breathe new life into a prominent town centre spot.

The former Jelf Clarke Roxburgh offices and the adjacent Malvern Curtains in Bellevue Terrace could be transformed into a prime eaterie, with investment development company Seven Capital acting on behalf of the applicant, whose identity is protected by a confidentiality clause.

Severn Capital's director, Damien Siviter, hopes the project will be delivered by the end of the year if the application is approved by Malvern Hills District Council.

Mr Siviter sadi: "It will be, in my eyes, a great benefit to Malvern. It will help to revive that part of the high street that has taken a bit of a nosedive.

"It is one of the larger operators in the UK. It will definitely generate jobs locally and go some way to revive that whole building and hopefully get some homes locally, too. "

He added: "The retail park has taken a lot away from the town centre but this will help by bringing a bit of extra life. As it's a national operator it can help improve confidence in the high street."

The former Jelf Clarke Roxburgh offices have been vacant since the firm moved to Church Street last year and Malvern Curtains now operates online after closing its doors last month.

Chris Marks, of Great Malvern Association of Traders, welcomed the possibility of the units being filled but acknowledged the loss of an established company.

"We will always welcome investment into the town. It's good a large high street chain has seen Great Malvern as a town they can do business in - they see the potential in the town."

Mr Marks added: "In reality we would have preferred to see a retail premise going in. We could do with having a few more new shops opening."

The application for 20-24 Belle Vue Terrace is for the change of use of the ground floor to restaurant use and the change of use of the first and second floors to residential use consisting of three one bedroom studios, five one bedroom and three two bedroom apartments.

It would also include alterations, part demolition and a two-storey extension to the rear.