THE final steps are being taken in a scheme aimed at transforming an historic tea room at York Station into a bar.

Elvington-based Pivovar wants to carry out a £250,000 refurbishment to the building, which once housed York Model Railway, and turn it into The York Tap.

The company has now applied to City of York Council for listed building consent to carry out the work necessary to open the pub, which it says is the only way the tea room can be restored to the glory it enjoyed during the golden age of rail.

The York Tap would have room for about 130 people inside and 100 outside in an enclosed area on a neighbouring platform, and will stock a range of cask ales and bottled beers. Both the Railway Heritage Trust and rail operator East Coast have backed the scheme.

“The tearoom building was originally created as a place for rail passengers to seek refreshment in opulent surroundings and a welcome into the city of York,” said a planning statement submitted to the council by Pivovar.

“Over the last 70 years, the original interior has been torn apart. Despite it being Grade II-listed, there remains no Government or public investment for the restoration works, and therefore only private finance will restore it to the original ornate glory.

“The restoration proposals have been endorsed by the Railway Heritage Trust and East Coast. The York Tap will be a gem within York Station, ultimately used by visitors to the city and commuters during the day, while remaining a destination venue in the evenings.”

Pivovar has received a string of awards for its other ventures, including Pivni in Patrick Pool, York, the Sheffield Tap at Sheffield Station and the Euston Tap in London.

Managing director Jamie Hawksworth said his intention was to repeat that success in the firm’s home city.

Under the plans, the tea room’s rotating mahogany platform door, fireplaces, floor, ceiling and cornice would be fully restored, along with its Art Nouveau windows and domed ceiling lights.

New toilets and disabled facilities would also be installed and Pivovar said none of the building’s heritage would be changed or demolished.

A decision on the listed building consent is expected next month and, if it is granted, The York Tap is earmarked to open at the end of October.