A former bookstore in the heart of Tuam could be set for a new chapter – if a planning application is successful.

Developers HCG Properties Limited want to alter the former Byrne’s Bookstore on Vicar Street, reconstructing and extending the existing retail floor while constructing three apartments on the first and second floor overhead.

An inspection of the building has been carried out and significant works have been completed including the demolition of the original rear extension.

It was also noted by planners that the rear wall of the main front building had been removed and photographic evidence of this is also on the planning file.

The ground floor remains open to the elements at the rear with first and second floors protected with temporary polythene sheeting held in place with timber battens.

The developers also noted that most of the original stairs had been removed as well as all of the floors and walls of the internal building.

The building is a protected structure and is located within the Architectural Conservation Area of Tuam. A decision on the planning application is due around the middle of September.

Back in 2015, a planning application was submitted for the partial demolition and reconstruction of the existing retail premises along with two floors of overhead residential accommodation.

The works proposed at the time included the reconstruction of the existing retail space on two floors to the rear while retaining two upper levels of residential use to the main street. However, this planning permission was not acted on and subsequently ran out.

It is now proposed to create a new shop front at ground floor level. A door on the left-hand side of the shop front will provide access to a small retail area within the 19th century building opening out to a larger retail space.

The shop front will have a door to the right-hand side with a large glazed sidelight providing access to an entrance lobby containing a stairs to the first floor level.

The works proposed will maintain the street façade to Vicar Street and reinstate a revised traditional shop front.

The shop front has been largely removed as well as the original sash windows but some elements of significance remain in place from an historical perspective.

The first and second floors will contain one- and two-bedroom apartments if planning permission is granted to the applicants.

Pictured: The old Byrne’s bookshop in Tuam for which there are plans to transform it into retail and accommodation purposes.