£500k plans to transform Tamworth’s historic Carnegie Centre into restaurant
The venue will be restored to its original 1905 structure and then turned into a dining space.
Exciting £500,000 plans have been revealed for an historic Tamworth building to be brought back into use and transformed into a restaurant.
The lease for the Carnegie Centre in Corporation Street has been taken on by Jitu Miah, who has revealed his plans to bring a brand new ‘theatrical’ dining experience concept to the town.
Built as the Tamworth’s first library at a cost of £2,000 thanks to the generosity of Scottish American steel multi-millionaire Andrew Carnegie, the venue was taken over by the borough council in 1917.
Now there are plans to restore it to its original 1905 structure and turned into a restaurant, with a “modern interior design that also celebrates the building’s rich history”.
Mr Miah said: “This will be something very different for Tamworth. The concept I have is for a high-end restaurant, offering continental food that is served in a way that brings some drama and theatre to the evening.
“We’re also planning to open for brunch and lunch, as well as hosting events such as weddings and live music.
“We have spent a lot of time working on the design and we really want to bring the building’s history to life. We’re looking forward to being able to open it up for people to come and enjoy.”
Mr Miah, whose family owns restaurants across the country and says he will be looking to employ around 50 people from the local area, added: “My family has been in Tamworth for a long time; we know the clientele and we feel there is great potential.
“We have been planning this project for the last two or three years and obviously the pandemic is going to impact that. We know we’re taking a big risk given the current climate, but we’re committed to the plan.
“We’re investing £500,000 into this project, but I do believe this is something that Tamworth really needs and we’re focusing on the long term.
“We know we will probably have a difficult time ahead in the short term but we want to do something really unique here so will just ride it out as best we can.”
Work is due to start on restoring the building in the near future, followed by the transformation into a restaurant.
Borough heritage boss Coun Jeremy Oates said: “We’re delighted that a new tenant has been secured for the Carnegie Centre.
“Mr Miah’s plans sound impressive and it will be great to have this historic building back in use in a way that can be enjoyed by everyone.
“It will also be another key piece in the puzzle in the revitilisation of that part of the town centre.
“The Enterprise Quarter project has involved millions of pounds of investment in Corporation Street, including creating Tamworth Enterprise Centre and refurbishing Tamworth Assembly Rooms.
“We wish Mr Miah every success and hope Tamworth people support this new venture.”
