A FORMER greetings card shop in Bournemouth town centre could be converted into a bakery and café if a planning application is approved.

Mehmet Gilgil has applied to BCP Council for a change of use of the former Clintons store in Old Christchurch Road to provide a base for his new business, Simit Chai.

He said the move was inspired by recent works at Beale Place and would be a boost for the wider town centre.

Clintons shut in September after the building was put on the market for a rent of £75,000 a year.

Business rates for the building opposite Beales are more than £30,000 a year.

The lease has been taken on by Mr Gilgil as the base for his new Bournemouth-based bakery and café.

“Bournemouth town centre has had many improvements and it is attracting many visitors all year long, especially during the festivals,” a statement submitted with his application says.

“Our project would help in making Beale Place a vibrant attraction and enjoyable for shoppers and tourists alike.

“The seating planned for the shop would provide a relaxing ambience for customers, especially during the bad weather days.”

He said the business would open from 7am to 11pm seven days a week and that he had “no intention” to sell alcohol or open any later.

The new café would offer traditional baked goods alongside light lunch options and a range of desserts, some of which would be vegetarian or vegan.

Most would be brought in frozen and reheated to avoid a full kitchen having to be installed in the building.

The café would be spread across the ground and first floors with just under 70 seats provided in total.

Mr Gilgil had hoped to open the business under the building’s existing retail planning use but he was advised that the change to a café class was required due to its proposed size.

The application will be considered by council planning officers in the coming weeks.