PLANS to convert a Runcorn town centre landmark into a luxury apartment block have been approved.
Seventy seven one and two bedroom apartments, with car parking, will be created following the conversion of the LA Scala Bingo Hall on High Street.
For decades the Scala was a cinema and dance hall and was the venue for early performances by The Beatles.
Council chiefs believe the apartment block will fit into their scheme to create a 'Canal Quarter' of luxury homes, shops, cafes and bars on the Bridgewater Canal.
The Victorian Scala building is not listed and developers Bell have said they will not incorporate its current facade in the design for the apartment buildings.
A council spokesman said: 'The developer, recognising some local interest, undertook a structural survey of the condition of the facade.
'This concluded that retaining the facade within a new scheme would be complex and require dismantling, repair and rebuilding and this would still not guarantee it could be accommodated.'
However, the council is to attempt to persuade the developers to incorporate the name La Scala within the new development.
And negotiations are being carried out with the developers to remove parts of the frontage of La Scala to be stored safely.
