IS the saga of Worcester's Northwick Cinema finally drawing to a close?

After standing empty for all but five of the past 22 years, the Art Deco gem in Ombersley Road may at last be set to undergo a transformation.

The proposal before city planners to turn the former cinema, bingo hall and live music venue into 16 apartments and shops will provoke a mixed reaction.

The fact that what was once a leading Faithful City venue will, like so many other attractive, historical buildings, be turned into yet more flats is disappointing.

It is a shame that the Grade II-listed Northwick, which houses the last intact works by celebrated 1930s designer John Alexander, will, it now seems likely, no longer be available for use by city residents.

However, what are the alternatives?

Former city Mayor, Coun Gareth Jones, last year called for the Northwick to be demolished - which provoked an angry reaction from Evening News readers and heritage groups alike.

It would be a great shame if this once beautiful building was lost forever.

A sympathetic restoration, making use of the cinema's striking interior, with some attractive shops could, we believe, serve a dual purpose - by both saving the building and acting as a catalyst for regeneration in the area.

Let's hope the plans live up to our expectations.