A derelict building which has been an eyesore in Norwich for eight years could be converted into flats, if the latest plans go ahead.

A derelict building which has been an eyesore in Norwich for eight years could be converted into flats, if the latest plans go ahead.

This picture shows the new vision for the Ferry Boat Inn on King Street, which has been sold to developers hoping to convert it into 45 apartments.

The site was sold in June by estate agents Arnolds Keys, who put a guide price of £575,000 on the building.

Now, Ferry Boat Developments LLP are set to apply for planning permission to revive the old pub as housing, preserving its historic features.

Planning agent Lanpro is consulting on the project and said the proposals would regenerate the area.

Lanpro Head of Planning Ian Douglass said: 'Ferry Boat Developments LLP is considering the submission of a planning application for the proposals in the autumn following public consultation and pre-application discussions with the City Council.

'If approved, the site will accommodate a high-quality development which will represent the continued regeneration of this part of Norwich.'

Vicky Manthorpe from the Norwich Society, which promotes the city's heritage said she was pleased to hear the river are would be opened up.

She said: 'The Norwich Society and the Wensum River Parkway Partnership maintain that the walkway should be included in every river development as a matter of course.

'The Norwich Society is always concerned about the character of King Street with all its historic buildings and associations.

'It is extremely important that new buildings should take their cue from the scale and style of the existing streetscape.

'We are delighted that the old Ferry Boat building is to be retained intact and we look forward to the consultation and discussing the plans with the developer.'

Before closing in 2006, the pub was a popular live music venue with a 150 capacity, and 'Suffolk Strangler' Steve Wright was once the landlord.

Planning permission was granted in 2011 to build a backpackers' hostel, and father and son Alister and Jason Borthwick hoped to open before the London Olympics.

Two years later, a campaign was launched to buy the Ferry Boat and relaunch it as an independent music venue.

What do you think of the plans to convert the Ferry Boat into flats? Write (giving your full contact details) to: The Letters Editor, Norwich Evening News, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk.