A BUDDING interior designer is helping the owner of a popular pizzeria transform an empty establishment on Gourock's Kempock Street into a stylish new wine bar.

Tony Bonatti, who owns Tonino's on Greenock’s Grey Place, was given planning approval for to revamp the former Domus Interiors shop in April.

He has now enlisted the help of former Domus employee and Glasgow School of Art Student Lucia Coggins to draw up plans for the new premises.

The venue, which will be called ‘Vino by Tonino’, will have capacity for 40 people and Tony hopes it can launch around Christmas time.

The local businessman, who has lived in Gourock since 2012, told the Tele he was excited to be moving into the town’s bustling high street.

He added: “Kempock Street is such a hub, every morning we deliver focaccia to Wildfire deli and we end up chatting to everyone.

“There’s such a community spirit, everyone knows everyone and it’s a friendly place.

“I look forward to being a part of that.”

For third year student Lucia, the venture presents an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience leading a big redesign project.

Read more here.