This is how Chester’s historic shot tower and lead works could look after being refurbished into apartments.

The landmark looks set to be renovated into 65 flats overlooking the canal.

It will cost £15m to transform the largest of the three remaining shot towers in the UK.

The grade-II listed tower and its iconic red brick will be maintained, but a new modern structure will be added with grey cladding.

Chester Shot Tower Ltd along with Whitecroft and Neptune Developments lodged their planning application in March and now it has been approved.

Designs for the renovation of Chester's historic shot tower and lead works

The design from architects Broadway Malyan aims to mix ‘authentic charm and contemporary design’ to create ‘Chester’s most desirable address’.

Whitecroft managing director David Giovanni said: “While the site has been met with some controversy over the past several years, we’re confident our plans will completely revive this former derelict site.

“Throughout the pre-planning phase, Whitecroft has actively engaged with local resident groups and the local ward councillor to discuss our proposals.

“We’re pleased our plans received a positive reaction and have now, after seven long months, gained planning approval.

Chester's Shot Tower stood in the Chester Leadworks. The area was rebuilt after this picture was taken in 2002

“Despite its previous history, people are keen to see this scheme actually delivered and while we understand the development will be met with some apprehension, we hope our intentions to restore and preserve this key landmark building is met with enthusiasm.”

Approval was granted for a scheme which included flats and shops in October 2012.

But while the adjacent business quarter and Waitrose store were developed, the shot tower was left untouched.

Whitecroft’s fresh application took out the retail element.

Designs for the renovation of Chester's historic shot tower and lead works

In total there will be 65 flats, 56 in two new-build contemporary wings and nine luxury apartments in the restored lead works.

In addition, the scheme features 22 on-site car parking spaces and 43 in the undercroft of one of the apartment blocks.

The vast £15 million transformation will include three multi-level tower passageways and an imposing 168 ft ceiling.

There will also be a heritage interpretation centre within the base of the shot tower which went on fire in December, caused by criminal activity according to the applicants.

This centre would explain and show off the history of the tower, the industrial processes employed and even offer tours.