THE city’s old fire station could now be converted entirely into flats, rather than include a gym and bar or restaurant as originally planned.

The multi-million-pound revamp of the Copenhagen Street building – which has been left empty since fire chiefs relocated in 2015 – was initially given full consent in November 2016.

That application included 22 apartments on the first and second floors and space for commercial use on the ground floor.

It was anticipated the complex would attract big name businesses, but developer Ash Mill has now said the “ground floor commercial accommodation has proved un-lettable.”

The London-based firm submitted the alteration this week, asking for nine extra flats instead – with a mixture of one and two bedrooms.

Five would be accessed on Copenhagen Street, two via the corner building entrance lobby and two via the building’s courtyard.

The developer is also asking for a ‘buffer’ between the flat entrances and Copenhagen Street, which would require an increased recess depth of 750mm.

Worcester City Council failed in a bid to get it snapped up by a boutique hotel operator before it was bought by Ash Mill for a seven-figure sum.

The original application was backed unanimously by planning committee members.

Though some councillors voiced dismay after failing to secure £360,000 in anticipated money towards road improvements to ease congestion.

In return for planning permission money is often handed over towards roads, open space enhancements and schools, known as Section 106 cash.

But Ash Mill has agreed to stump up just £75,000 after telling planning officers the scheme would be “unviable” if it paid a larger sum.

An independent assessment was carried out, known as an ‘open book appraisal,’ which led to the lower figure being agreed based on allowing the developer a 17 per cent profit margin.

Last year, the building was added to the council’s in-house register of important structures, which aims at safeguarding any from demolition.