Plymouth Hoe Centre supporters try to save building

The 1950s-built block had also been an architecture school

Protesters against the demolition of a well-known former armed services building in Plymouth are to talk to the city council about stopping the work.

Bulldozers have been working at the Hoe Centre in Notte Street, which is owned by University of Plymouth.

The university said the site had become dangerous since the 1950s-built block stopped being used in 2007.

Campaigners said they hoped to halt the work because of the building's architectural importance.

'Adapt a building'

Campaigner Sally Hall said: "The university chose this building to run an architecture school, so it can't have been that bad.

"We think it's more sustainable to adapt a building rather than to demolish it."

The building originally provided a base for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) to provide catering, retail and leisure services for members of the armed forces in the city.

It was later bought by the university and housed the university's school of architecture from the 1980s until it closed.

The university said it planned to submit an application for student accommodation to be built on the site.

A campaign to save it on the website Facebook attracted 600 members.

Campaigners plan to raise the issue at a council meeting this week.