A developer wants to demolish New Look in Stevenage town centre and replace it with a 21-storey tower block including 225 "build-to-rent" flats.

Reap 1 Limited said the proposed 69m-tall development would be "car-free", with cycle parking spaces provided for residents.

Subject to planning permission, they hope to begin demolition in May 2025, with the new development completed by November 2028.

A full planning application is yet to be submitted, but Reap 1 have applied for a Screening Opinion Request to determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment must be submitted as part of the full application.

Currently, the site at 9-11 The Forum is occupied by a three-storey unit. Reap 1 said that the new development would have commercial space on the ground floor, and communal spaces for residents could include workspaces, a gym and outdoor terraces.

Stevenage town centre is part way through a £1bn redevelopment project which includes plans for around 3,000 homes – up from around 150 before the project began. The 3,000 homes figure does not include this proposed development.

Shops including Next and Sports Direct are moving out of The Forum ahead of planned changes to that part of the town centre.

Permission was granted last year for the demolition of some existing shops at The Forum, which will be replaced with laboratories and a multistorey car park as well as commercial space including a cinema and large restaurant.