A MUSIC school is looking to expand further with a new base in a gym in Portslade.

The British and Irish Modern Music Institute (Bimm) has applied for planning permission so that it can teach students on the ground floor of the Circle.

The three-storey building, between North Street, Camden Street and Wellington Road, is on the site of the old Flexer Sacks factory.

The building, owned by developer Farshad Ghiaci, 68, is currently used as a gym and arts centre.

Bimm has submitted plans to Brighton and Hove City Council for a change to educational use – and bosses want to knock the three smallest dance studios together to create a larger space.

The college wants to turn a large storage area into smaller vocal studios and rehearsal rooms but to retain an existing auditorium.

Bimm said: “The educational facility is tertiary operating in the same manner as a university with students 18 years and above.

“Students will reside in student accommodation elsewhere within the city.

“Students will not be permitted to bring vehicles to the site and will be encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport.

“Bimm will operate a similar travel plan as they have in place for their other sites within the city.”

Bimm said that the facilities would also be used by its partner college, the Institute for Contemporary Theatre.

The application is available to view by searching for BH2021/04215 on the planning pages on the council’s website.