THE man behind Plaza 21 has set up his own company and one of his first projects is demolishing the former bingo hall in Gorse Hill to make way for affordable apartments.

Ian Thomas, who left Beaufort Western to set up Langdale Estates in Jan-uary, was the inspiration behind the high-class town centre apartments.

The plan to build 189 apartments at the site of the Fleming Way Post Office, known as the Phoenix Gate scheme, was also his brain-child. Now, from his offices in Bishopstone, Mr Thomas has set his sights on developing brownfield sites around the town.

He is well underway with a scheme to build 16 apartments at a former garage in Lincoln Street in the town centre.

And second on his list is the former Sterling bingo hall in Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, which he has labelled an eyesore.

His firm bought the building in May and has now submitted plans to knock it down and build 22 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments in its place.

The small flats are targeted at first-time buyers and elderly people and will be accompanied by two small retail units and 22 parking spaces.

The building was last used as a bingo hall and has also been a cinema and theatre but has now been empty for more than four years.

Controversial plans to turn it into Swindon's first topless dancing club were abandoned last year when Foxies set up in the town centre instead.

A separate scheme to convert it into a venue for live bands also fell through. The pub chain Wetherspoons also aborted a scheme to add the building to its growing estate of pubs in the town.

Mr Thomas believes that his company's proposals are far more suitable for the area.

He said: "The building is surrounded by sheltered housing, so I think affordable apartments are far more compatible with the community than lap dancing or a nightclub.

"Sue Bates (Gorse Hill councillor and council leader) has already told me she is supportive of the principle of the development, which is to get rid of an eyesore that hasn't been occupied for four years."

He said that the proportions of the existing building and its state of disrepair render any hopes of saving it from demolition impractical.

Gorse Hill councillor, Maurice Fanning (Lab), welcomed the scheme.

He said: "I'm more than happy with it. It's certainly better than lap dancing.

"It is a bit sad that the building has to be demolished, because although it's not the best landmark in the world, it's known and loved by a great many people in the area.

"But realistically, this is the best compromise we could hope for. People need housing and hopefully this will bring new life to the area, without threatening the existing character of Gorse Hill.

"It is infinitely more preferable than any other proposals for the building and the worst thing would be for it to remain in a state of dereliction."