Flats plan for listed building

A city centre listed building which was home to a former tailors looks set to be transformed into apartments under new plans.

The three-storey grade II-listed building in Broad Street in Worcester, which was previously occupied by clothes repairer and dry cleaners Nice Stitches, would be transformed into a new shop and six apartments by property developers the WXSPI Group.

An existing building to the rear of the main building would also be converted into an apartment.

The proposal is the latest in a number of developments put forward in partnership with architect Nick Carroll in Broad Street in recent months which includes a 16-apartment plan in Phoenix House which was completed at the end of last year.

Plans to build five apartments in the upper floors of the neighbouring building formerly occupied by Indian restaurant Karma were approved by Worcester City Council last month.

A statement included with the application said: “The proposed development would result in a net gain of six residential units, in a highly sustainable location, making a notable contribution to housing supply within the city.

“In addition, the ground floor commercial unit would maintain an active street frontage.

The proposed development has been carefully considered.

“Special regard has been given to the building’s conservation status as a grade II listed building and the contribution that the building makes to the conservation area and the setting of neighbouring heritage assets.

“The proposal would secure the optimum viable use of the building thus securing its future maintenance and conservation.

“A similar scheme has been completed at Broad Street in Worcester.

“In total that scheme provided 16 studio apartments which are comparable to the size and design of the apartments proposed by this application.

“The development was completed in December 2020, which was during a period of ‘lockdown’ imposed by Covid-19 restrictions.

“Despite the difficult market conditions, demand for the apartments was very strong.”

The plans can be viewed via the planning section of Worcester City Council’s website.

The application number is 21/00430/FUL.

Public consultation ends on June 3.