Plans have been drawn up to transform the former BHS store in Eastgate Street, Gloucester after the premises have remained empty for several months.

The much-loved store closed after BHS went into administration in April 2016.

Now Reef Estates, who acquired the King's Walk shopping centre in partnership with the city council earlier this year, have submitted a detailed planning application for the property.

It includes refurbishment work to the Eastgate Street facade, the relocation of the concrete artwork panels and a new ground floor shop front glazing extension.

The building will be subdivided to create an additional small café or shop unit on the ground floor adjacent to W H Smith, with the remaining ground floor space and the first floor staying as a large retail unit.

Stewart Deering, chief executive of Reef Estates said, "Since acquiring King's Walk, sorting out the BHS building has been our top priority. Our team has been working hard to get this application ready and has been working closely with the city council's planners. This is the first step in our plans to transform the centre and we have committed major investment to deliver it."

Cllr Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council said, "The closure of BHS has left a big hole in the city centre and I am keen to see it filled as quickly as possible. This planning application is a positive move and I am looking forward to seeing the works take place to enable the store to be occupied. This is about bringing regeneration right into the heart of the city."

New tenants for the building will be announced in due course.

The manager of King's Walk shopping centre Peter White said: "The management team are looking forward to the changes being made in Eastgate Street and the frontage of the shopping centre.

"We believe these changes will really make a huge difference to Eastgate Street and attract a stronger level of tenant to King's Walk shopping centre."