PLANS to transform the building previously home to Malvern's oldest department store into new shops has been back by council planners.

The four-storey Victorian building in Worcester Road in Malvern, which was home to Brays department store before it closed earlier this year after a century of continuous trading, will be split into four new units on the ground floor under plans headed by local businessman Richard Simmonds.

The corner unit would be converted and then opened as a cafe or restaurant to make the most of terraced seating in front of the building.

The hope is to attract more diverse and independent businesses to the town by offering smaller units rather than one large space. New entrances would also be built for each unit with new disabled access included to the corner unit.

The upper floors of the landmark building would remain as flats and no major alterations to the outside of the building are planned.

Brays was one of Malvern's oldest shops, opening in 1895, but closed in January when its owner and managing director both retired.

Worcester-based architect Nick Carroll is working on the plans and has outlined how the conversion of the ground floor is just the first part of the plans to breathe new life into the former Brays building and plans to build new apartments could also be coming forward soon.

A report by planners at Malvern Hills District Council said dividing the building into four new shops would help bring more people to Malvern.

It said: "The proposal would result in a vacant unit being brought back into use and help to sustain the viability and vibrancy of Malvern Town Centre. It is anticipated the proposal would be the first part of refurbishing the Brays building and help to attract quality independent commerce."