A well-known venue for social functions in Preston looks set to be demolished to make way for a block of flats designed for first-time buyers.

Canterbury Hall in Garstang Road, will be knocked down under plans submitted by developers to Preston City Council.

It would make way for 15 two to three-bedroomed flats, 1,338sq metres of office space, and 40 car parking bays.

The hall was established by the nearby Roman Catholic church, the English Martyrs, more than 25 years ago.

Since it opened, thousands of people have enjoyed nights out at the club which has also been used to host other events like computer fairs.

Father Tom Singleton, of English Martyrs, said the hall had been losing money for a long time. He said: "About five years ago there was a fire at the church, in the rebuild we adapted the building to have a small hall, so we don't have the same need for Canterbury Hall."

He was tight lipped about how much the hall had been sold for but said the money raised would go towards the upkeep of the parish presbytery and church.

"We have a large presbytery in need of attention and a church built in the 1860s. The church's income is nothing like what it used to be, we run on a very tight budget," he added.

The hall is still open at the moment and is being run by Mark and Jane Evans on behalf of the new owners Terhurst Ltd.

Architect David Cox, of Wood Associates, who is designing the scheme, said: "This is a fantastic location for people working in the city centre or travelling to the motorway.

"They are aimed at first time buyers, and the office space is targeted at start-up business.

"So it is possible people might buy a flat and office space."