THE former TJ’s building at Clarence Place, Newport, is a step closer to becoming a 58-bedroom hotel after plans for the scheme were formally submitted.

The developers, 45 Croydon Way Ltd, have applied for full planning consent for the part demolition, restoration, redevelopment and extension of the existing listed building at 14 to 18 Clarence Place.

They have also applied for listed building consent for the scheme.

The plans related to a 58-bedroom hotel, as previously reported by the Argus, which is expected to be run by easyHotel, plus two groundfloor commercial units at the site.

South Wales Argus:

An artist's impression of how the site could look

The proposed development would restore the listed buildings which face onto Clarence Place and provide an additional floor which would increase the building to four storeys.

At the back of the building an old extension would be demolished and a modern extension built.

The proposals would also see two ground floor commercial units, new landscaping and a new rear access.

A pre-planning consultation on the proposals was carried out by planning consultancy firm Turley.

Andrea Kellegher, of Turley, said the developers consider Newport to be a good place in which to invest and felt the site was a good one due to its central location.

It is not known if 45 Croydon Way Ltd are the current owners of the building or are acting on their behalf.

The iconic nightclub which was once housed in the building made Newport famous around the world as a venue for music.

TJ’s, which closed in 2010 following the death of owner John Sicolo, was the beating heart of Newport’s music scene for many years.

It was reputedly the spot where tragic Nirvana rocker Kurt Cobain proposed marriage to Courtney Love when she performed there with her band Hole.

The club also played host to acts including Feeder, Manic Street Preachers and Catatonia.

It was sold at auction by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions seven years ago.

Nothing has been done with the building since and it has fallen into disrepair over the years.

A spokesperson from 45 Croydon Way Ltd said: “We are excited to bring forward plans for a new hotel at Clarence Place. The proposed development is an opportunity to create a vibrant active use for the currently vacant listed building, and to invest into both Clarence Place and Newport.”