Development on cards for city 'eyesore'

The former garage building is boarded up

Plans to develop one of Stoke-on-Trent's worst eyesores have been drawn up.

A deal is currently being arranged for the sale of the old Peppers Garage in Albion Street in Hanley.

The former garage building is boarded up and neighbouring businesses have complained about its run-down appearance.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is concerned about the site and is considering whether it can do anything about it.

Site owner Mario Bonfilio has been actively marketing the site for the past month and says he now has a likely buyer.

Mr Bonfilio says a multinational chain is negotiating to buy the site for a hotel and leisure development.

He says plans for the buildings, which would cost just under £10m, have already been drawn up and if it wins planning approval, would make a major difference to Hanley.