A CITY centre snooker hall could be demolished in place of a new £18 million student accommodation complex.

Southampton-based developer Lainston plans to to knock down Rocket Ronnie’s, on Castle Way, as part of proposals to build a new 188-flat halls of residence.

But Ronnie Keates, owner of the popular sports bar, says he has no plans to leave Southampton.

The 46-year-old, who took over the snooker hall, formerly Baizz sports bar, in 2016, is already in talks to move to a new city-centre premises.

He said: “I always knew this day would come when I took on the property.

“I’ve known from day one that this was going to be converted.

“I want to stay in Southampton and I’m already in talks to rent a new building.”

Mr Keates said he has held discussions about taking over the empty unit above Argos, on High Street.

He added that the move was still in the early stages, and that it was subject to the new student block receiving planning permission.

Mr Keates, who also owns a snooker hall on the Isle of Wight, said: “If it is given planning permission then I expect I’ll be moved by February. If not I’ll stay a little longer.”

It comes after plans were lodged to knock down the snooker hall as well as a block of office blocks on High Street to build the new student flat complex.

Plans for the five-storey complex include a gym, cafe and recreational area for students.

Developers also plan to build three separate retail units on the site, which will face out on to High Street.

In the plans, the developer says the retail units will add “vibrancy and vitality” to the area.

According to the proposals, the building will feature buff brickwork, darker bricks and glass windows and doors – which it says will help keep it in character with some of the listed buildings in the area.

“Overall, the development will improve the area, respecting the historic character, in particular the important listed buildings in the vicinity of the site,” the report adds.

If given the green light, developers hope to have the new building completed and open by September 2019.

The Echo understands that the project could cost around £18 million.

The plans are now set to be discussed by civic chiefs, and could go before the council’s planning committee early next year.