It was once the life and soul of Ipswich’s party scene, but the former Groove nightclub now looks set to become a different kind of nightspot.

A planning application has been submitted to Ipswich Borough Council on behalf of easyHotel to transform the Northgate Street venue into a “budget” hotel.

If permission is given, the building will undergo a number of changes including a new roof covering, the construction of a reception area and of 96 en-suite bedrooms spread across the ground, first and second floors.

Paul Clement, chief executive of the town’s Business Improvement District organisation, Ipswich Central, said: “This is great news for the town and as visitor numbers to Ipswich increase it’s always important to have more hotels rooms for them to stay in and explore the town and surrounding areas.

“Since losing the Great White Horse Hotel, we’ve lacked rooms in the heart of the town centre and it’s always good to be able to extend the offer available.”

An Ipswich Borough Council spokeswoman said the proposal would most likely go before the planning committee at the end of June.

The Grade II-listed property dates back to the 1930s and has had a variety of uses over the years, including as a stationers, a toy shop and car showroom before it became a nightclub.

Groove closed at the end of 2013.

easyHotel Ltd operates budget hotels throughout Europe.