THE former TJ's building at Clarence Place, Newport, could soon become a hotel if a developer's plans are successful.

The scheme, which is currently out for consultation, could see 14 - 18 Clarence Place become a 58-bedroom hotel.

The developers, 45 Croydon Way Ltd, are hoping to get full planning and listed building consent for the part demolition, restoration, redevelopment and extension of the site.

The proposed development would restore the listed buildings which face onto Clarence Place and provide an additional floor which would increase the building to four storeys.

At the back of the building an old extension would be demolished and a modern extension built.

The proposals would also see two ground floor commercial units, new landscaping and a new rear access.

A pre-planning consultation on the proposals is being carried out by planning consultancy firm Turley.

Andrea Kellegher, of Turley, said the consultation would run until November 25 and a planning application would likely be submitted before the end of the year.

She said the developers consider Newport to be a good place in which to invest and felt the site was a good one due to its central location.

It is not known if 45 Croydon Way Ltd are the current owners of the building or are acting on their behalf.

The iconic nightclub which was once housed in the building made Newport famous around the world as a venue for music.

TJ’s, which closed in 2010 following the death of owner John Sicolo, was the beating heart of Newport’s music scene for many years.

It was reputedly the spot where tragic Nirvana rocker Kurt Cobain proposed marriage to Courtney Love when she performed there with her band Hole.

The club also played host to acts including Feeder, Manic Street Preachers and Catatonia.

It was sold at auction by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions seven years ago.

Nothing has been done with the building since and it has fallen into disrepair over the years.

If you want to take part in the consultation, visit www.clarenceplaceconsultation.co.uk/index.html where you can view all the pre-planning information including a heritage assessment, draft planning application, a noise assessment, bat report and flood consequence assessment.