Hundreds of people have voiced their support for a new state-of-the-art restaurant in Dundee.
Restaurateur Cosmo Molinaro claims his plans for Caird Bar and Grill, at the former Caird Rest in Nethergate, would rival anything that is on offer in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
However, his proposals were dealt a major blow in December when the city council’s licensing board rejected his application for a licence on the grounds of over-provision of alcohol.
Now, nearly 300 people have written to the licensing board in support of a fresh bid by Mr Molinaro, and condemning the refusal to grant the previous application.
Among those is prominent city businessman Tim Allan, president of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Allan said he was concerned over the message the refusal sent to the wider community about investing in Dundee.
He added: “Attracting investment to Dundee is tough. If Dundee waterfront can benefit from smart, upmarket bars, cafes and restaurants, it goes without saying that the rest of the city can benefit in the same way
“An arbitrary decision to draw a red line round a geographical location within which licences are allowed is absurd.
“I would urge the board to support this ambitious and innovative solution to the long-term future of a historic Dundee building.”
Mr Molinaro was given planning consent to change the use of the building from university offices into a food-orientated venue in 2014, and says he has spent more than £1 million on the project.
The application will be decided on Thursday.