A FORMER Crown Post Office could become student digs following an application to turn the building into apartments.

Developers Starstruck Limited have released plans to turn Durham’s former Post Office into student accommodation.

The Grade II listed building in Silver Street has been empty since November when the Post Office moved out.

Architects BDN, who submitted reports on behalf of the applicant to Durham County Council, say the owners have been unable to successfully remarket the whole building as its size and unconventional layout mean it is unsuitable for a single retailer.

Instead, the developers want to convert the existing building into 18 self-contained student apartments, with reduced commercial floorspace limited to the ground floor.

Named Albert House, the building dates back to the 19th century and is connected to another four-storey building in Fowler’s Yard, which was once a methodist chapel.

The application is to turn Albert House into seven one-bed apartments and the Fowler’s Yard building into 11 one-bed apartments.

An existing footbridge connecting the buildings would be removed.

There would be no dedicated parking for the scheme.

The Post Office closed in November when in moved to the nearby WHSmith in the Market Place following an unsuccessful campaign to keep services in its own dedicated building.

A statement by BDN said: “Within the combined size and unconventional layout of the building at present, it is clear that complete commercial/retail usage is unviable.

“The proposal would provide an opportunity to re-use a presently vacant historic building on one of Durham’s main thoroughfares.”

It adds: “The city centre location is deemed ideal for students with close links to transport, education and amenities.”

They say the building’s historic features will be retained.