A SKY LOUNGE, roof terraces and a gym make up plans to transform parts of a Bournemouth town centre office building.

Developers have submitted the proposals for Richmond House, which also include converting some of the site to create 20 new flats.

Applicant Robert McKay Kay has put forward the full planning application for the site, which sits in Richmond Hill and Yelverton Road.

A statement by Chapman Lily Planning on behalf of the applicant says: "From a social perspective, the proposal of 20 new apartment dwellings and a collaborative work space and gym, which will be of an appropriate design, will respond well to the character of the area, shall be highly accessible from public transport.

"The heritage value of Granville Chambers will also be preserved.

"The gym and collaborative work space, roof terraces and sky lounge will also help to encourage social interaction, healthy living and access to amenity space.

"The additional roof space will allow residents to enjoy views on the distinctive Bournemouth character."

The statement says the proposal presents a sustainable form of development, which would contribute to the economic and environmental wellbeing of Bournemouth.

It says the scheme would make an "efficient use of this highly accessible brown field site, supporting the local economy through the delivery of housing in Bournemouth town centre, allowing easier access to places of work for residents".

If approved, the ground floor of Richmond House would change from a language school to residential, with the rest of the accommodation on the fourth floor of the linked block of the building.

The 20 flats would comprise of 11 one-bed and nine two-bed homes.

The plans include three roof terraces and a sky lounge, which would provide an outdoor amenity space for residents.

A gym and collaboration work space are planned for the lower ground floor.

At present the site has 36 car parking spaces. The planning application proposes reducing this to 26 and adding 92 cycle spaces,

Residents have up until February 12 to give their thoughts on the scheme through BCP Council's planning department.

The application comes after BCP Council gave confirmation that office suites throughout the building could be converted into residential accommodation under permitted development.