A HISTORIC Southampton building and former nightclub is set to get a new lease of life, as it has been put up for sale.

The former Bank of England building in High Street is on the market with a guide price of £3 million.

And until recently, the site housed bar Wahoo and before that nightclub Walkabout.

The neo-classical property has already been granted planning application to convert the front of the site into retail units which front onto the High Street.

Meanwhile, as part of the approved plans, a separate block to the rear is allowed to be converted into 120 studio apartments.

However, ward councillor Sarah Bogle says, if converted, there is no market for student dwellings.

The Labour councillor for Bargate ward believes the market is saturated and such a plan would not be viable.

She said: “If we are to become a destination city we need to think about what we want to attract people to the area.

“At the moment it’s hard to see beyond Covid. Clearly retail is not going to expand but you still need interesting places.

“It’s of historic interest and we still don’t have that many decent music venues.”

Fellow ward member Cllr John Noon added: "I do feel that the market for new students blocks in the city centre no longer viable, with many of the purpose build students units empty and the number of students in the future unknown, don’t believe this is a viable use of the site.

"I would support this site been used for good quality two and three-bedroom accommodation, with the reduction of commercial units needed in the city centre, good quality accommodation would benefit the city centre."

Built in 1940, and used by the Bank of England its vaults can store 24,000 gold bars, according to planning documents.

The property is due to go on sale by via an auction on November 25.

As previously reported, the former TSB bank in High Street could also be converted into student homes. Based on plans made to the council, a one-bedroom and pair of two-bedroom flats could be created on the first and second floor.

Meanwhile, plans for 72 apartments behind the Dolphin Hotel were unveiled earlier this year.

However, many projects including the nearby Bargate Quarter development have been postponed due to coronavirus.