A FORMER Newport nightclub which also used to be a 19th century chapel, could be turned into 25 flats if councillors pass a planning application this week.

Stow Hill nightspot Zanzibar, which has also been in business under the name Escapade, has lain vacant for years, and now developers want to turn the building into flats.

But Gwent Police has warned the area already experiences “high levels” of reported crime and anti-social behaviour and the new development “has the potential to increase the opportunity for crime”.

The plan is to demolish the main part of the former nightclub building, on 40 Stow Hill, and instead build 18 flats, made up of four one beds, 13 two beds and one three bed – but keeping the original building’s impressive front.

The grade two listed building, which was originally a 19th century chapel, has a grand classical facade which was listed in 1980 as part of the Town Centre Conservation Area.

Barton Bridging Capital Limited, the company who put in the application, emphasised this would be retained and restored using a historical photograph to match the style.

The developers also want to build another building facing out onto North Street, behind the former chapel site, which would include five two bed flats and two three bed flats.

The area in between the chapel development and the North Street facing building would become a parking area, bin storage, cycle storage and gardens.

So far the council has received no responses from residents or councillors regarding the application.

But councillor Kate Thomas, of Stow Hill ward, said: “I’m very pleased to see the redevelopment of the city centre in a way which will make more suitable housing for people which people want to live in and will give a boost to the city centre."

When giving their views to the council, Gwent Police said the location of the proposal is in an area of Newport “affected by the night time economy”.

The police response said they have no objection but added: “The new development has the potential to increase the opportunity for crime, in what is already a high crime area.

“To ensure that this new development does not increase the opportunity for crime the need for appropriate security arrangements is paramount.”

Gwent Police suggested using Secured by Design – a police scheme which helps design homes which are more robust.

Councillors will decide on whether to pass the application on Wednesday, August 5.