A five-storey building could replace a derelict Swindon nightclub under new plans approved by the council.

Developer Armada Holdings finds itself with options when it comes to the future of the former Broadwalk nightclub in Swindon town centre.

The company was given permission in March to sub-divide the ground floor of the vacant two-storey building into commercial units. And convert the upper storey into five apartments,

But now the developer has been given the go-ahead for another, much more radical plan.

The developer has been given permission to demolish the building at 32-34 Bridge Street in the northern part of the town centre and put up a five-storey building in its place.

That would see the ground floor continue to have a commercial use, but there would be 19 flats on the four upper storeys.

The drawings show there would be four flats or five flats per floor, with two apartments duplex – spread across two floors.

From the outside, the bottom storey would be divided into three units, with the frontages of the flats being set back from the edge of the building, allowing a small balcony space to the apartments overlooking Bridge Street.

The four flats in the top storey would be set much further back from the edge of the building, ensuring the height of the top storey doesn’t overshadow the street and neighbouring buildings too much.

The main street entrance to the apartments would be at the rear of the building from King Street.

The application said: “The proposed units contain generously sized bedrooms, kitchen / living / dining areas and bathrooms with carefully considered fenestration arrangements to ensure acceptable levels of daylight.

“The proposed development will result in the refurbishment of the existing but vacant commercial unit. It is anticipated that the proposed development will result in a more commercially attractive and therefore viable ground floor unit.”

Planners at Swindon Borough Council were convinced.

In recommending approval they wrote: “The proposal would create 19 new flats at first-fourth floor level. This would continue the established pattern of ground floor commercial space and residential use at upper floor levels within Swindon town centre.

“It is noted that Swindon’s Central Area Action Plan states that within the central area ‘The use of upper floors in particular for residential or commercial use will be encouraged to help create a more vibrant centre into the evening.’

“Furthermore, the proposal for the addition of 19 new flats within this highly sustainable location which would significantly contribute to the Borough’s housing supply.