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Westminster City Council has announced that London's iconic Trocadero building is to become a 'pod' hotel.
The majority of the building's 583 rooms will be windowless pods designed to provide "compact and convenient" city centre accommodation.
Also included in the proposals are eight residential flats consisting of one, two and three bedrooms, shops on the ground floor and a rooftop bar on the ninth floor.
Previous proposals included substantially fewer bedrooms, but the new plans incorporate the space formerly occupied by Funland.
"This scheme will help to breathe new life into one of London's most famous buildings," commented councillor Heather Acton.
"A new concept hotel will form a very welcome addition to the area, enabling more people to enjoy the vibrant West End for shopping, entertainment and culture."
The building has hosted everything from tennis courts and music halls to 3D cinemas and amusement arcades since the 17th century.
Author: Economics Correspondent Graham Pontin (gpontin@acenet.co.uk or 0207 227 882)
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