A FORMER sports bar in Taunton could be knocked down and turned into a block of flats, it has emerged.

The old Rileys bar, in Kingston Road, closed in November last year but Taunton-based architects Reed Holland Associates are working with the new owners, No.1 Kingston Road Ltd, to turn the land into apartments and some affordable housing with bike sheds and car parking.

If their plans are successful with Taunton Deane Council planning bosses, the two-storey building would be demolished and replaced with 39 one-bedroom flats and 11 two-bedroom apartments.

In their online application, the developers say work has been done to tidy up the site and if the proposed development was successful, it would secure the site’s long term future.

They added: “The previous use of the building as a snooker hall and nightclub meant it was predominantly used at night thus raising issues of noise, alcohol abuse and the consequential impact upon security of surrounding properties.

“The proposed high quality residential use will be more compatible with the surrounding streets and the building will be in habited 24/7 by residents.”

The venue’s closure left several of the town’s snooker, pool and darts teams stranded as they had to find other venues to complete their matches.

When the building, which used to be a cinema, went under the hammer in February, auctioneers Clive Emson had a guide price of around £125,000 to £150,000 on the building.

Developers want to create a ‘visually interesting building’ which has strong links to its surroundings, which include the railway station, shops, houses and a taxi rank.

They added: “The proposed development will visually enhance the existing site and give a positive first impression of Taunton to those alighting at Taunton Railway Station.”

Should the building be demolished? Or should it remain standing and be refurbished? Let us know your thoughts by visiting somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news