A FORMER post office faces demolition to make way for an eight-storey high block of student flats.

Bournemouth Central Post Office was opened in 1896 but staff moved to WH Smith in 2008.

The building stretches from Albert Road to Post Office Road in the town centre.

The front section above the new Pizza Express on Post Office Road would be safe from the wrecking ball.

But a developer wants to replace most of the building with commercial units and 109 student flats, which are aimed at mature language students.

The design statement says: “It is now becoming industry standard to offer residential accommodation and many of the larger school groups expect to have approximately 30 per cent of their students placed in residential accommodation.

“By not offering this type of residential accommodation, Bournemouth is in danger of falling behind other study destinations.”

Bournemouth Central councillor Dave Smith said: “The development will bring life back into that area and bring people in.

“The developer showed us models of what the building will look like and you will hardly be able to see it from around the town.”

The plan would also involve making Albert Road two-way and closing it to traffic, except for deliveries, before 10am and after 4pm. The same restrictions are already in place on Post Office Road.

The design statement said: “This work once implemented, would also assist in creating an enhanced pedestrianised area immediately outside the Beales store main entrance and the banks opposite.”

Trinity Architects said the building would have a copper-coloured finish. The developer Poets (10) LLP is based at the Print Room in Albert Road.

Planning officers are considering the application.