Norwich's Westlegate House redesign revealed

Westlegate House has stood empty for more than 10 years

Images of how an "eyesore" 1960s tower block in Norwich will look when it is converted from derelict offices into apartments have been revealed.

The 11-storey Westlegate House has been vacant for more than a decade.

A planning application has been submitted to the city council following the purchase of the site in August.

The developers said they would add two floors and that each storey would become a single flat offering 360 degree views of the city centre.

The shop space below the tower, which was formerly a McDonald's restaurant, will be refurbished to become a large restaurant or shop on Westlegate, FW Properties and Soho Estates said.

A Grade II-listed cottage next to Westlegate House, currently Cassacio's coffee shop, would also undergo a restoration and extension.

'Real difference'

A new walkway will link Westlegate to Lion and Castle Yard to the rear of Westlegate House, and a car park off Timberhill will be developed into shop space and flats.

The plans include a new walkway to the side of Westlegate House

FW Properties director Ian Fox said: "Since we purchased the building last year in partnership with Soho Estates, we have been working hard to bring forward a scheme for this building that will deliver a real difference to this part of Norwich."

Philip Thompson, the director of Soho Estates, said he hoped the buildings would be "viewed for many years as fine examples of modern day architecture against a backdrop of difficult economic times".

The companies bought the landmark building for about £1m.

A spokesman for the agents, Lanpro Services, said if permission is granted it hoped to start initial stripping-out works in the early summer.

The overall construction phase of the project is expected to take 14 months to complete.