The site of a former Primark store due to be transformed into flats, a restaurant and shops is on the market for £2.75 million.

The vacant building, which fronts Marine Drive and High Street in Margate, was bought in 2015 by SIR Investment and a planning application granted approval in 2017 by Thanet council.

Plans include a mix use of retail, a restaurant, a drinking establishment and offices on the lower and upper ground floors, and 11 flats on the upper floors including five three-bed and four two-bed apartments and two three-bed maisonettes.

There would be openings on both sides of the building, with the bar and restaurant accessible from Marine Drive and retail from the High Street.

In a statement to council planners, the developer said the scheme would provide much-needed additional housing units in a highly sustainable location and the commercial use would help the viability of the town centre.

Overlooking Margate Main Sands and next to Sands Hotel, the building has been empty for years after Primark shut its doors following the clothing giant's launch of a huge store at Westwood Cross shopping centre in Broadstairs in 2012.

It was hoped SIR Investment's plans would breathe new life into the large site, with letters of support backing the regeneration scheme.

But with the building on the market again, this looks likely to be delayed, although this time the sale will include full consent for development granted by Thanet planners.

Agent Terrence Painter Properties is marketing the building and says it is a prime spot.

"Located directly on the seafront affording direct sea views across the Main Sands and with prime high street frontage at the rear, this substantial mixed-use redevelopment scheme offers a unique commercial and residential development opportunity," the agent said.

The sale includes the planning consent for the change of use and the addition of two floors.

For more details see www.terencepainter.co.uk.

To see the full plans visit www.thanet.gov.uk and use planning reference F/TH/17/1216

Read more:All the latest news from Thanet