Plans to convert the upper floors of a former department store in Leicester into a 92-bedroom aparthotel have been approved.  

The Grade II-listed property dates back to the 1880’s. It had housed the Fenwick department store which closed last March after trading in the centre of Leicester for more than fifty years.

The aparthotel will include studio, one and two bedroom suites.

A rooftop bar is part of the plan. This will be formed from a single-storey extension.

The plans also include space for a roof terrace, a semi-enclosed courtyard and greenhouse/winter garden.

Retail outlets are planned at street level.

The period detailsof the buildingwill be retained wherever possible.The project developers have reportedly been considering a contemporary development, similar to the stylish Hotel Gotham which opened in central Manchester in 2015.

The site is in Market Street in the centre of Leicester, at its junction with Belvoir Street.