Plans to develop arson-hit Westgate Social Club in Grantham into 27 apartments
A planning application has been submitted to develop the former Westgate Social Club, the site of three arsons this year, into 27 studio apartments.
The proposal also emphasises that the conversion would also create a new pedestrian link between the "residential community of Greyfriars and the shopping district of Westgate" to increase footfall in Grantham town centre.
Rahul Patel acquired the former social club back in December, and has now submitted plans to revive the dilapidated site and provide additional homes for the town.
The proposed development also seeks to reduce the potential for crime and anti-social behaviour at the site, which has fallen foul to multiple acts of arson and vandalism since the social club closed its doors back in 2016.
Most recently, a blaze started in the derelict former social club on June 28 , causing damage to a wooden DJ booth and light damage by smoke to the rest of the first floor.
Meanwhile, an adjacent building was heavily damaged by fire last Sunday.
The application said: "The site, unfortunately, in its current vacant state has become a hot spot for crime and anti-social behaviour, with several break-ins and severe vandalism.
"There is a serious risk of someone causing personal injury and a growing concern of arson, potentially impacting and damaging adjacent business and properties.
"This redevelopment brings a derelict and crumbling building back into use, rejuvenating a forgotten corner of Grantham.
"It will reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour, vandalism and further damage to property while making the area a safer place to live, work and enjoy."
The development seeks to provide 27 studio apartments, described as "manageable, modest sized living accommodation for skilled workers and young professionals alike".
This will be achieved, according to the plan, by converting the existing ballroom into two separate floors, as well as converting the existing building into residential use and the adding two new floors.
The application said: "The internal height of the existing ballroom is enough to comfortably fit in two levels of accommodation, an additional storey has been proposed to maximise the sites potential and provide ‘pent house’ accommodation on the roof, which will be set back.
"A rear two storey extension is also proposed. A three storey glazed atrium provides a central circulation space providing access to all three residential blocks.
"The proposed height of the new additions is in keeping with the rest of the site and does not protrude above the existing three-storey structure.
"The height shouldn’t affect the immediate surrounding area, with industrial units to the south and west, and a car park to the north."
As well as converting the derelict, unused building in Grantham's town centre, the proposal also aims to increase the footfall in the town centre by using the site to create a pedestrian link between Greyfriars and Westgate.
The plans said: "There is potential within the development site to utilise and expand upon the existing footpath with a possibility of opening a new public link between the residential community of Greyfriars and the shopping district of Westgate.
"With a view of encouraging more people into the town centre and more custom to shops, bars and restaurants.
"Redeveloping the site contributes further by boosting the value of the area as a whole, by lifting the neighbourhoods perception and making it a place people want to be, visit and invest in.
"The significance of saving a historic dilapidated building and giving it a new lease of life is important, adding to Grantham’s historical character."