The Belgian owner of Liverpool’s BHS is hoping to attract a new tenant to the former department store’s café on Harrington Street.

A planning application to change the use of the rear section of the building says the unit’s re-occupation is “essential if the vitality of the area is to be maintained”.

The application, which has been submitted to Liverpool City Council by Gilgamesh Gravesend Limited on behalf of the building’s owner Vabeld, is proposing the creation of an “independent commercial unit” falling within Class A2, A3, B1a or D2.

These classes cover a range of uses including financial services, restaurants and cafés, cinemas, music venues, gyms and swimming baths.

The planning application adds: “The rationale behind the proposal is to make efficient use of a now vacant unit by creating a new independent commercial use fronting Harrington Street.

“The application building has been vacant since the sad demise of BHS, and such its prominence along Harrington Street and the conservation area that its re-occupation in the short term is essential if vitality and viability in this part of the main retail area is to be maintained.”

Liverpool’s BHS closed its doors for the final time last summer after its parent company went into administration.

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