A new entertainment venue could replace a longstanding Chinese restaurant which recently closed.

Staff at Connie’s served loyal customers from its Devizes Road home in Old Town for 42 years before handing the keys back to the landlord in July.

At the time, a spokesperson said: “We are saddened that we couldn’t do more for everyone except give Swindon our all and our best.

"We are truly gutted that we could not have carried on serving but what has been a good run must come to an end.”

For weeks, the front of the business has been blocked off by metal fencing that also covered the former site of the Pick Up Point restaurant which closed suddenly in July and was later emptied out.

Much of that fencing has now been taken down.

A new licensing application submitted to Swindon Borough Council gives an idea of what the landlord of these properties wants to use the now-vacant spaces for.

BK Private Ltd is seeking a premises licence for 53 Devizes Road that would allow it to carry out various activities on the premises seven days a week.

If granted, the applicant would be able to supply alcohol from 9am to midnight, play live and recorded music and serve late night refreshments from 10am to midnight, and host films screenings, plays, and dance performances between 10am and 11pm.

The Swindon Arts Centre on the opposite side of the road hosts similar cultural events to those detailed in the licensing application for this new venture.

BK Private Ltd is a private limited company incorporated in June 2023 for the buying and selling and real estate as well as the letting and operating of own or leased real estate.

The full application may be inspected at the Offices of the Licensing Authority, Swindon Borough Council, Wat Tyler West Floor 5, Beckhampton Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Responsible authorities, and/or other persons (e.g. people/businesses living or working within the vicinity), can make representations at any time until Sunday, September 29, 2024.

All representations must be made in writing (including e mail or fax) to the licensing manager, at the above address or by email to licensing@swindon.gov.uk.

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, for which a person is liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of £5,000.