A PULBIC consultation is underway to transform a former hotel site gutted by a fire into a 12-storey apartment building in the town centre.

Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd is seeking views on the former Belvedere Hotel on Bath Road.

Following a devastating fire in 2016, the earlier hotel was demolished, and the site has been empty since.

The scheme proposes to develop up to 212 residential apartments within a building of up to 12 storeys, along with a basement for vehicle and cycle parking.

Royal London said the 0.4-hectare site is just a 12-minute walk to Bournemouth Pier and 16 minutes away from Bournemouth Railway Station, connecting the site to the wider area.

The Bath Road area currently comprises of residential buildings of up to 10 storeys on the main roads, with smaller blocks off the main route.

Developers also propose to improve the footway outside the site with tree planting, improved paving materials and planting to screen Bath Road.

READ MORE: Bournemouth's Belvedere Hotel coming down after nearly 160 years

Architects from PRP previously gathered at the Marsham Court Hotel to discuss the plans with the public on behalf of its client, Royal London.

The ‘sustainable development’ proposes to feature a mix of studio, one, two and three-bed apartments.

Head project architect, Rob High, said the 212 new homes will equate to around 300 to 500 residents, who will spend around £1.7 million annually in the town.

He argues that there is a strong demand for rental properties in Bournemouth, including students coming out of education.

It was previously reported that the scheme includes a rooftop terrace, a courtyard, and a café on the ground floor which would be open to the public.

PRP has said there will only be 11 parking spaces for the property with two accessible spaces for residents.

Transport consultant, George Steel, said the limited parking is driven by planning policy but that developers are considering implementing a car-sharing scheme for the residents, called a car club.

A decision is yet to be made on the planning application.