A DERELICT office block could be transformed into an apartment complex as Worcester continues its city centre building renaissance.

Developers have applied for permission to turn the upper floors of Sandwell House, between Foregate Street and Farrier Street, into 42 apartments.

The offices, rebuilt in the 1970s after a fire destroyed a site owned by JC Baker in the 1960s, have been vacant for a number of years.

Twelve affordable housing units would be included on the first floor of the building while part of the ground floor would be demolished to make way for a 26-space car park. The shops and food sellers which operate on the ground floor would be unaffected.

A fourth floor would be added to the building to replace a plant room on its roof.

The application also includes improvements to Cheshire Cheese Entry beside the site. Recesses in the entry would be removed, as well as additional lighting and surveillance added.

The site lies within the Foregate Street and The Tything conservation area but Worcester City Council planners are happy that despite its expansion it would not have an adverse effect on the look of the street.

Meanwhile, another developer wants to build 23 apartments on Bath Road. The site, currently occupied by a Shell petrol station, would include 19 two-bedroom flats and four one-bedroom, as well as 33 parking spaces at the rear.

Plans for the two and three-storey building have been recommended for approval by planners.

Councillors will give their verdict on the plans tomorrow.