Fresh proposals submitted to the local authority to transform the former Robertson’s furniture store in Barrack Street include plans for two hotels and a restaurant.

However Glasgow-based architects McNally Associates, who submitted the plans on behalf of Structured House Group, said earlier proposals to create student accommodation on the site have been dropped after receiving a “lack of support” from council planning officials.

The proposals for the B-listed art deco building have already been revised once to include the retention of part of the facade of the former furniture store, after more than 700 people signed a petition calling for the building to be saved.

Large parts of the building will still be knocked down and rebuilt to house the new hotels — one with 132 rooms and the other 115 rooms.

In a report submitted with the plans, the applicants claimed that the redevelopment would bring significant benefits to Dundee.

The report stated: “With very few empty lots within the city centre, developing this site, which has a construction value of circa £20m, has the potential to provide work for two years for local firms.

“The mixed-use of buildings will also provide a number of facilities management employment opportunities, in a variety of employment sectors.

“With an increased number of hotel guests, positive activity and associated spending will be brought to the area by way of support to local businesses, and also by providing high-quality purpose-built hotels in the city centre.

“The proposed restaurant will independently support the hotels as well as providing a restaurant facility for the general public.”

The building has been derelict since Robertson’s closed in 2011 after trading in Dundee for more than 100 years.