THIS striking glass-fronted building is ready to transform part of Worcester's landscape, with key plans being revealed for a significant revamp of an historic city site.

For years the derelict old granary has stuck out like a sore thumb in the heart of the £75 million St Martin's Quarter complex in Lowesmoor.

But now the site, once home to Europe's biggest vinegar works, is expected to be hauled into the 21st century after being bought by the Hope Church.

As part of the scheme, designer Boughton Butler wants to build a huge glass extension on the building to give it an eye-catching appearance for passers-by and is set to submit a detailed planning application to Worcester City Council this week.

As well as a church for community use, the revamped venue will feature exhibition space and room for live art and drama performances for 250-300 spectators, alongside a cafe. It will also be used to host weddings and funerals.

Towering three storeys above ground level, the top floor will also feature a ceiling exposing a 200-year-old open truss.

If it gets the go-ahead it will signal the biggest step forward for the £75 million Lowesmoor regeneration in nearly five years, since ASDA opened.

Dan Stiff, from Boughton Butler, said: "The building has sat rotting for years and years but it's a key site and this is a significant investment.

"The granary is locally listed, it's on the council's 'at risk register', and they've welcomed us with open arms because I think everyone wants to see it brought back into use.

"We've been working on it for six or seven months but this week a detailed planning application will be going in."

Richard Thomas, from the Hope Trust, said: "For the last six weeks detailed drawings have been prepared about the glass extension, but the historic building will still be in view.

"What we want to do is create is a flexible space to interact with the community and serve the city.

"It's a massive challenge but we hope to create something very attractive with space for galleries, music, arts, conferencing - and we want to do the outside in one phase of work so shops face the least interruption possible."

In July the council approved a 98-bed apartment block on another part of the old vinegar works site, with around six smaller units facing demolition.

But the granary is far more important, despite falling into disrepair in recent years.

Back in June Hope Church secured planning permission over a 'change of use' to the site.

Cllr Jabba Riaz, who represents the area, said: "From an economic and development point of view this will bring a dilapidated building back to life after being home to just gulls and pigeons.

"It's in keeping to the raw nature of the building while adding a modern approach."

The old Hill and Evans Vinegar Works date back to around 1830 and were the biggest anywhere in the world, producing two million gallons of malt vinegar a year.

Its main building is Grade II listed and is one of the most distinctive in the city. It was converted into the current Territorial Army base facing Silver Street.