A former music venue and café could be turned into a shared flat for eight people, if plans are approved.

Developers want to turn the empty unit which used to house Artista in Waterloo Street, Hove,  into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Artista, a live music venue and home of the Secret Comedy Club moved to Brighton Square in The Lanes in 2022 and its old site has been left empty.

In plans submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC), the building, spread over four floors, would be transformed from just one staff flat to having space for up to eight people in three double rooms and two single rooms.

READ MORE: Grade II listed flat will become HMO in city centre

Two of the double rooms would have their own kitchen areas, but the other occupants would share kitchen and dining facilities in the basement.

Consultants Lewis and Co Planning said there will be no changes to the outside of the building.

The former site of Artista could become a shared flat for eightThe former site of Artista could become a shared flat for eight (Image: The Argus)

The consultants said: “The site is located within the Brunswick Town conservation area.

“However, the scheme will not impact on the conservation area as no external alterations are proposed.

“The proposed residential use of the building will be less intensive than the site’s historic use as a restaurant with late opening hours.”

The plans will be consulted on by BHCC on Thursday, August 15.