A MULTI-MILLION pound revamp of Worcester's old fire station has secured the green light - promising to transform part of the city centre.

A London-based developer has won approval to turn the landmark site into a leisure and living complex including 22 apartments, shops, a gym and bar or restaurant use.

The historic building, which faces out into Deansway, has lay empty since fire chiefs relocated to a new snazzy HQ in Tolladine back in May.

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

The council's planning committee agreed to vote through the revamp today, saying the developer's suggestion was "a great fit" for the city.

It was backed unanimously despite some councillors voicing 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.

Ash Mill, which has a reputation for quality residential schemes, will locate five studio flats, eight one-bed and nine two-bed apartments inside the complex, with no changes to the structure of the building.

Underneath that will be the leisure element, with hopes high that it will attract big names.

A report for the committee's attention said the project would have "significant benefits" to the wider city centre.

Councillor Jabba Riaz, who represents the Cathedral ward, said: "I think it's a welcome addition to the city centre - it's a really good fit for the city to bring the old fire station back into use."

Councillor Derek Prodger, who chairs the fire authority and oversaw the service's relocation, said: "The building has played a significant part in the life of Worcester - I will certainly be supporting this for many reasons."

Labour Councillor Paul Denham said he welcomed the site being brought back into use quickly but severely criticised no Section 106 money for school places and the fact none of the properties would be affordable housing.

Councillor Geoff Williams called the profit margin "a very unreasonable return for the public realm", saying it might benefit the developer but added: "For the public's side, on the social side, it's a big fat nil".

But all of them were won over by the development despite the concern over the smaller handover.

Councillor Pat Agar said: "It's an impressive facade, isn't it - this is very much a landmark building."

The building dates back to 1939 and was put up for sale in 2013.