Commercial Connexions wants to offer 58 flats as well as a gym and sauna in the building at 332 Edinburgh Road, which was shut down by Barchester in December 2018.

The maximum letting period would be 90 days.

A statement prepared for planners explained: “The proposed change of use of this vacant care centre will see a redundant building transformed into quality serviced apartments which will contribute to the ever increasing demand within the city for this type of accommodation.

“The development has been designed more along the lines of a hotel, with high quality rooms, a high level of ancillary facilities, on-site 24/7 reception/concierge services, with the added bonus of being set in landscaped grounds with easy access to the city centre.”

If approved, the new apartments would have a live-in concierge and numerous “break out areas where guests can meet and chat over a coffee”.

“Given the residential location and the previous use, the building lends itself to being converted into some form of residential accommodation, in this instance, serviced apartments” the plans add.

“The idea is to deliver a quality network of serviced apartments with live-in warden, supplemented by a range of ancillary services and facilities, which include a gymnasium, TV room, sauna, fully equipped laundry/press as well as a high standard of fixtures and fittings throughout.”