Plans to transform one of Brighton's most famous clubs into an extension for a neighbouring hotel have been submitted.

The Hotel du Vin in Ship Street has applied to open 11 new bedrooms, a bar and a function room in the former Sussex Arts Club.

The famous venue played host to countless events and shows and was a place where celebrities could relax undisturbed for 15 years before shutting last September.

The private members' club hosted many famous names, including writer Julie Burchill, singer Will Young and indie band Green Day.

But after a drop in members, it was forced to sell to the hotel chain.

Brian Ferguson, the club's manager, said changes in the licensing laws were to blame for the closure.

He added that with later licences, people no longer had to leave the pub at 11pm and move on to a club.

At the time of closing, the club's management refused to name the buyers.

But The Argus can reveal that the Hotel du Vin has bought the site for more than £2 million.

It now hopes to extend its own business into the next door Grade II listed club.

Brighton's Hotel du Vin opened in 2002 and its restaurant and boutique rooms have proved a success.

Several high-profile guests, including Oasis star Noel Gallagher, singer Tom Jones and Spider-Man actress Kirsten Dunst have stayed there.

In documents submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council, the hotel chain revealed: "The exterior of the Sussex Arts Club will not be significantly altered by the proposed extension of the adjacent Hotel du Vin.

"However, the overall appearance will be greatly improved by renovation work to the building.

"The existing hotel is an established and successful business and the new extension would be a positive addition both commercially and for the enhancement of the local context."

The firm believes there is a considerable demand and "enormous potential" for the extended hotel.

The Hotel du Vin has applied to change the use of the building from arts club to hotel, renovate the listed building and build a small extension to the hotel and arts club.

The planning application will be dealt with by the end of the month.

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