Plans to change the use of a historic and well-known Middlesbrough building are under consideration.

Middlesbrough Council has received a planning application for a change of use of The Forbes Building on Linthorpe Road.

Currently the building seeks to attract art and craft businesses.

But if the plans get the green light, it could see the Victorian building’s ground and first floors housing shops, financial services, a restaurant or cafe, a drinking establishment, leisure facilities and offices.

The planning and heritage statement issued to Middlesbrough Council as part of the planning application outlines that the current concept of the building “is to attract specialist art/craft related businesses”.

“The planning application is part of a marketing strategy for the building,” it continues.

“The recent relocation of a key trader in the building (Maplins) has highlighted a need for a more robust and flexible marketing strategy.

“The owners of the building are seeking to provide the opportunity for different types of retail and commercial uses to be able to occupy a unit without needing to wait for planning permission.”

The Forbes Building is Grade II listed and built in about 1900 for John Forbes as a bakery with shops and stables. Mr Forbes went on to be Mayor of Middlesbrough in 1904.

A pre-application for the proposed mixed-use scheme has already been made, and according to the application, “the council confirmed that the principle of the various uses listed for the building would be acceptable in principle.”

It says: “The council recognise the need for flexibility to maintain the future vitality and viability of the building.”

The original proposal included a residential element but the applicant has decided not to proceed with this. There would be no changes to the building’s exterior.