A listed property near the seafront could be converted into a tourist hostel.

Safestay, the owner and operator of international hostels and hotels, has bought the Grade II building in Pavilion Parade, Brighton..

The company hopes to convert it into a 220-bed hostel.

The property was previously owned by the University of Brighton and was the centre of controversy as students occupied it following redundancies.

Safestay owns 15 hostels internationally, with six in the UK across London, York and Scotland.

An application is due to be submitted seeking planning permission.

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Larry Lipman, chairman of Safestay, said: “I am delighted to announce this acquisition.

“It is a unique building and ideally suited to becoming a premium Safestay hostel.

“Brighton has an excellent reputation in the UK as both a seaside getaway and a lively cultural hub and there is growing demand for affordable tourist accommodation in the city.

“Safestay will help fill this gap in the market by offering premium hostel stays for visitors, in a grand property, at a low cost.

“I am confident that this will be another strong addition to our portfolio.”