Old Primark store in Sheffield could be turned into a hotel

National chain EasyHotel wants to transform the former budget fashion and homewear store into a 131 bedroom hotel and gym.

Retail giant Primark closed its five-storey High Street shop when its new multi-million pound store on The Moor opened last month.

SFGE Properties has submitted a planning application to Sheffield city council.

It said the bedrooms would be spread across three floors, the gym would be in the basement and the hotel would be accessed through a new entrance off High Street.

EasyHotel already operates seven hotels in London plus others in Glasgow, Luton, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.

The planning application states that bringing the premises back into use as a hotel would contribute to building a 'strong, competitive economy and ensuring the vitality of town centres'.

The statement reads: "In terms of knock-on economic impact, the development will provide direct and indirect economic benefits within the local economy, both short term during the construction period and long term through the generation of direct employment, revenues generated by consumers at the hotel, gym and retail outlets and increased spending and demand for goods and service within the city.

"Such matters weigh in favour of the development.

"More broadly, the delivery of the mix of uses proposed in this location will enhance the existing offer in the city centre, providing visitors more freedom of choice when visiting the city for recreational purposes.

"Development of the property for the purposes proposed will provide employment opportunities for the local resident population.

"Furthermore, development of the property will make for a safer environment within the immediate townscape, improving its appearance, and encouraging more footfall and general activity at street level."