The application by Wellwood Leslie Architects south to convert the currently vacant floors of the building into a development of modern serviced one-bedroom apartments and studios for the rental market. A communal resident’s lounge is also to be provided on the 7th floor which benefits from panoramic views over the city centre as well as a gym and a terrace/balcony.

The ground floor and basement levels are currently occupied by a nightclub, cafe/restaurant and takeaway food outlet but the floors above that are the focus of the planning application were last used as office accommodation but have laid vacant for an estimated 25 years.

The condition of the building has been in steady decline ever since, being enrolled onto the buildings at risk register in September 2000. Little to no repair works have been carried out in this time which has led to its current condition and requirement for urgent renovative works to prevent further, irreversible damage.

In the application, Wellwood Leslie said the project aims to “secure the long-term future of the building through comprehensive renovation and extension by creating viable inner-city accommodation, carry out external fabric repairs to reverse the ongoing decline and create a contemporary development within a historic envelope”.