A DECISION on whether to demolish an eyesore former city centre nightclub and build an eight-storey student accommodation building will be made later this month.
Proposals were put forward in May to replace the now derelict former Images nightclub in The Butts with 89 student flats.
The application will go before Worcester City Council's planning committee on November 21.
Concerned residents have already asked the council to reject the plan to demolish the building over fears it would cause too much disruption and destroy part of the city's heritage.
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Almost 40 comments were made during consultation with the majority calling for it to be rejected.
The majority of the objections raised by neighbours and residents around the city said they were concerned by the disruption it would cause with some calling it "inadequate and unneeded" and a "wasted opportunity."
However, there were supportive responses to the plan with some calling the former nightclub "hideous" and the possibility of more student accommodation necessary with the growth of the University of Worcester.
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.
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 original 112-bed plan was altered to a 110-bed nine-storey plan to make the accommodation building the same height as The Hive before it was eventually submitted as an 89-bed plan.
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.
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