AN historic Worcester landmark is going to be saved for future generations - after developers came forward with a rescue plan.

For years Worcester's first ever hospital site, which dates back to 1745 and is regarded as a site of national importance, has fallen into an increasingly ramshackle state on the edge of Lowesmoor.

Much of the Grade II listed plot is remarkably still standing despite its dilapidated condition, a far cry from its proud days providing healthcare between 1746 and 1770 - the first phase of public hospital provision in England since the Middle Ages.

18-20 Silver Street is believed to be one of just six original infirmaries still standing in Europe and has been on the city's 'Heritage at Risk Register' since 1998.

Dr John Harcup, an author and retired GP, who has researched the site, said it was vital to save the site.

He said: "Thank goodness - I'm quite taken aback.

"We've been talking about this site for a number of years."

Carillion Richardson - masterminds of the £75 million St Martin's Quarter complex - has sold the site to a developer which has secured permission to revamp it from Worcester City Council.

Under the plans the ground floor will be redeveloped for commercial use, most likely office space, while a new second floor will be added as living quarters.

The site will also get an extension, with the upper floors intended for young professionals or students in en-suite accommodation.

The main building, characterised by shop fronts of late 19th century origin, will be redeveloped while the wing which formed part of the infirmary dating back to 1745 will be protected under detailed planning conditions.

The old black and white image above, taken in 1985, shows the rear wing of the site, which formed the main hall of the old hospital and still survives today.

18-20 Silver Street is seen as a site of national importance but has survived hugely controversial attempts to pull it down before, including one notorious case blocked by Environment Secretary Chris Patten in 1989.

Some of the site dates back to the late 17th century, including a weaver's workshop.

By the early 1700s some odd parts of England converted houses, inns and other buildings into makeshift hospitals, although they were relatively rare and soon superseded by larger infirmaries like the one in Worcester.

The city council says 18-20 Silver Street is now a "very rare survival" from the time.

Conservative Councillor Chris Mitchell, chairman of the planning committee, said: "It's very good news and win-win for the city."

Labour Councillor Roger Berry, cabinet member for history and heritage, added: "It's really pleasing to see action being taken at last, on a building which has been increasingly neglected.

"I'm very enthusiastic about it adding to the rebirth of Lowesmoor and the area as a whole."

Selwyn Rowley, a spokesman for St Martin's Quarter, said: "It's very positive news for us - it will be great to see the work done."