Tamworth's old Workman's Club building has stood empty for nigh on two decades, however it's hoped third time proves the charm for the iconic structure.
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Plans to revamp the old Workies building into a commercial hub are now before Tamworth Regional Council, after being sold for the third time since 2000.
More than $1.5 million worth of work would be completed in the first stage, if its approved.
The DA outlines upgrades of the internal space to form what will become a commercial centre for the city.
A gym and a childcare centre are already slotted for the first level of the building, according to the plans.
The commercial property was sold by Tamworth Property Co agent Stuart Watts for $2.3 million.
"It's a real shot in the arm for Tamworth, to see somebody who has the ability to come in and really engage in the renovation process to make it very much worthwhile," Mr Watts told the Leader.
The applicant Vanovac Tuon Architects Pty Ltd, prepared the Statement of Environmental Effects report for Skagias Pty Ltd.
The report said the current plans aim to "optimise the operational and commercial performance of the building".
"The internal space is slowly approaching ineffectiveness and disuse," the report notes.
The works will involve redesigning the existing internal space for new use, and "align with the community's needs", involving the conversion of the spaces into 'modern fit outs'
New internal partitions, new lifts and a refurbishment of the existing toilet block are also slotted for the plan. In the last 20 years, this is the third time the building on 12 In Street has been sold.
In January 2000, it was sold for $750,000 and bought again in 2002 for $1.7 million, according to realestate.com data.
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In 2004, plans came before council to give the building a new lease of life by turning it into a cinema complex and retail centre.
Some locals would remember the building as being an indoor gym with a swimming pool and dance studio. From the 1970s to 1990s, the building was The Workman's Club before being bought by Tamworth Services Club in 1996 for $1.5 million.
In 2000, the Dubbo-based entertainment group Rustic Enterprises took it over for $750,000. They established the Q Bar Nightclub under the Tamworth Conference and Entertainment Centre badge, however closed it two years later.
