A DISUSED city centre building could soon be revitalised as part of plans to convert it into apartments and a possible hotel.
Phoenix House in Broad Street in Worcester, which was built in the 60s, would be made into a mixed-use development for 17 apartments as well as retail space and permission to convert some of the upper floors of the building into a number of uses including hotel or guest house, a training facility or care home.
The plan by Deansway Regeneration Ltd would also see an extra floor built on top of the current concrete building making it five storeys.
The current tenant has provided notice to leave and the space will be vacant from early 2020.
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The upper floor office space has been empty, apart from a section retained for occasional use by the current owner, with some parts having fallen into a serious state of disrepair.
A statement included with the planning application said: "The proposals would positively contribute economically to the city through the creation of temporary construction jobs and improved retail and commercial space, which has over recent years suffered from a lack of investment.
"There would also be new residents bringing disposable income into the city.
"The proposals would contribute socially through the creation of new housing choices for a range of different population cohorts – and would offer short term accommodation options for visitors to the city; the scheme would also offer environmental benefits through the improvement to the appearance of the building within a sensitive part of the city, and create accommodation which is sustainably located, reducing dependency on motorised transport.
"Overall, we consider the proposals constitute sustainable development, and would positively enhance the conservation area and settings of neighbouring designated heritage assets.
"The proposals would bring activity and people into the city centre, improving natural surveillance and vitality to a building that contributes nothing to the city at present."
Consultation ends on January 18.
The plans can be viewed and comments can be made via the planning section of Worcester City Council's website.
The application number is 19/01001/FUL.
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