A ROOFTOP bar could be built on the site of a closed city centre pub.

The owners of city eatery Hanbao, which sells burgers and cocktails, want to transform the old Toby's Tavern into a striking modern venue.

The flat roof of the single-storey building, in Sansome Street, Worcester, will become a wood-decked open terrace, under the plans.

Brothers Seb and Alex Lam plan to extend Hanbao, in Foregate Street, into the former Toby's Tavern, which sits to the rear of their restaurant and bar.

Architect Nick Carroll said: "It will be unprecedented.

"In so far as I'm aware it's the only rooftop bar in Worcester."

The planning application outlines proposals to construct a wooden gazebo on top of the single-storey building and the erection of a new roof to partially cover the terrace.

Mr Carroll said the building will be clad in zinc and take on a 'black, dark, moody' appearance, while the ground floor will be revamped with glass walls and sliding doors.

He added that the brothers also plan to convert the three-storey building next to the site.

Mr Carroll said: "The bar won't be open-air, it will be tucked in the three-storey building.

"It's very important to say that neighbours opposite will not be able to have a full view by virtue of the clever use of the pergola [wooden gazebo].

"We will probably plant it up... with lots of leafy stuff."

Mr Carroll said the third level of the adjoining three-storey property, which was also part of the old Toby's Tavern, will be turned into a 'secret bar'.

The planning agent described the current single-storey building as detrimental to the character of the area.

Hanbao, which means hamburger in Chinese, was set up in October 2016.