THE conversion of a former city fire station into a new food hall and flats is set to be backed by councillors this week.

Malvern-based developer Guthrie Roberts revealed the multi-million-pound plans to convert part of the former fire station into a mix of 28 one-to-three-bed luxury apartments earlier this year.

The work would form part of a plan to convert the rest of the building into a food hall and wine bar.

Worcester City Council's planning meets on Thursday (June 24) with a recommendation the plan is approved.

The food hall plan by Richard Everton, owner of city wine bar and shop Bottles in New Street, would see a new wine shop and artisan food hall open in the ground floor of the former fire station in Copenhagen Street in Worcester.

Space would be made available in the new food hall for crepes and pastries, tapas, rotisserie chicken and a delicatessen as well as a large selection of beer and wine.

Mr Everton said he was aiming to be open by the end of the year.

A penthouse apartment with a balcony facing Worcester Cathedral and a first floor terrace and urban garden are also planned.

A report, which will be discussed by the planning committee, said: "There is no objection to the principle of the proposed uses on the site.

"Furthermore, it is officer opinion that there would be benefits in bringing this locally listed building into full and beneficial use and, in this respect, the proposal is welcomed too.

"In the short term the proposal would see the creation of construction jobs for the construction period of the project and some ongoing opportunities for the provision of goods and services.

"The longer-term benefits would be that it would help support local services and would potentially increase the level of disposable income in the area."

The locally listed building, which has been left empty since fire chiefs relocated in 2015, was built between 1939 and 1941 by Percy Thomas and Ivor Jones.

The planning committee meets from 1.30pm in the Guildhall on Thursday.