MORE empty office and retail space in town could be converted into apartments, if plans are approved.
Architects have submitted proposals to create 12 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom flats in Queensway House in what formed part of the former premises of a financial services firm.
Socrates Architects, who have been commissioned to create drawings for the site, have already lodged separate proposals for eight more apartments in the same building.
The firm says the building’s owners are also planning to reinstate a long-gone shopping arcade which once linked Queen Street with Hilgrove Street. It is currently occupied by an empty retail unit and an office entrance.
The scheme follows plans for a number of other buildings in the area. Last month, developers unveiled proposals to add an extra floor above the New Look store on Halkett Place to create 33 apartments across three levels. New Look’s ground floor retail operation is due to be retained.
At the same time, the owners of the former Topshop store have lodged plans to build five two-bedroom apartments in the two upper floors. The ground floor has been taken on by luxury Swedish bed company Hästens.
