HARWICH’S redundant bus station could be given a new lease of life as a pub.

Paul Mellor, owner of Harwich Town Brewing Company, wants to convert the old building in Station Approach into a pub and off-license to sell the firm’s tipples.

He said the new pub would be the ideal site to sell ales and beers made at his brewery, which neighbours the building.

If given approval, the small pub would offer craft beers, real ales and ciders on Friday nights, weekends and during special events such as the annual Harwich Ale Trail, the summer beer festival and the International Shanty Festival.

The off-license would sell a range of craft beers, real ales, ciders and wines.

Mr Mellor said: “We have outgrown the premises we currently use and want to take this chance to expand.

“The bus depot has been standing empty for the best part of two years and I feel it would be much better served as more floor space for us.

“We are currently negotiating the lease with First.”

He added: “We got fed up of having no space, so we are really looking forward to the chance to brew more, bring in more jobs to the area and hopefully become another venue for some of the great annual events in the town.”

Mr Mellor said the plans would create one full time and one part time job.

He hopes the new pub will be ready in time for the International Shanty Festival in October.

The bus station was closed by First buses in December 2013 and has stood empty ever since.