A PLAN to demolish a derelict city centre nightclub to make way for an 83-bed student accommodation building looks set to be approved this week.
The seven-storey building would be built on the site of the eyesore former nightclub Images in The Butts.
Worcester City Council's planning committee meets on Thursday (November 21) to make a decision with a recommendation that it is approved.
The plan was first submitted by Rengen Developments and Worcester-based property developer Thornloe Developments seven months ago and has gone through several changes.
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The original 112-bed plan was altered to a 110-bed nine-storey plan to make the accommodation building the same height as The Hive.
A subsequent plan, put forward in May, asked for permission to build a 100-bed building but was soon reduced to 89 beds before finally settling on an 83-bed building.
Some concerned residents asked the council to reject a plan to demolish the former nightclub over fears it would cause too much disruption and destroy part of the city's heritage.
Several objections were raised by neighbours and residents around the city concerned by the disruption it would cause with some calling it "inadequate and unneeded" and a "wasted opportunity."
One concerned resident said it would be a "travesty" to knock the building down.
Allan Price of Nelson Road said: “The former nightclub is based in a historical Worcestershire building, with parts of the historic city wall behind it.
“Demolition of this building would be a travesty to future generations of Worcester people.”
Paul Harding of Discover History said the building was a key part of the city’s industrial heritage - and kept the city's other industries running in the 19th century by repairing machinery – and it would be a shame to see it knocked down.
Several objectors called for the building to be locally-listed but Worcestershire Regulatory Services said that despite it having some "minor" archaeological and "relatively low" historic interest it did not meet the criteria.
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The building has been derelict since Funk nightclub closed down in February 2012.
In 2014, the council's licensing subcommittee approved the site becoming a club named Mamma Jammas despite fierce opposition from West Mercia Police who believed the venue would increase crime in the area but the plans never came to fruition.
The plan for student accommodation on the site was supported by the city council during pre-consultation advice.
With the building located in the city centre and within walking distance of the University of Worcester, no car parking spaces would be provided.
The council's planning committee meets at 1.30pm in the Guildhall on Thursday, November 21.
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