The owner of Dublin's Tivoli Theatre is seeking the demolition of the venue to build an aparthotel, according to reports.

Owner and businessman Anthony Byrne submitted plans to build a six-storey, 298-unit aparthotel on the city centre site. 

If approved, the Sunday Times reports that the theatre and some surrounding buildings will be knocked down, with some of the facades being retained on Francis Street

The proposal includes a courtyard, with a ground-floor restaurant, gym, bicycle hire shop and reception area. The plan does not include a replacement venue.

In 2005, Byrne was granted permission to build apartments, shops and offices at the Tivoli site. An Bord Pleanála only passed the plan following an amendment omitting a 13-story tower and the overall height of the project was reduced to four storeys.

At the time, An Taisce expressed concern about the impact of the development, with the Irish Georgian Society saying the development would "disrupt the hierarchy" of the "historic skyline".

The Tivoli Theatre opened in 1987 and doubled as a venue for rock concerts. In 2003, some €3 million was spent on converting the venue into a modern nightclub.

The demolition could spell trouble for pop-up venue District 8, based on the Francis Street site put forward for consideration. The venue grew in popularity following the closure of the Twisted Pepper on Abbey Street.

It comes after electronic venue Hangar on Andrews Lane released a statement claiming they will be open until April 2018 at the earliest - before also being turned into tourist  accommodation.

"Yes, the site where Hangar is will ultimately be turned into a hotel but take solace in the fact that for the next 16 months we at Hangar will continue to showcase the finest local and international electronic music talent," the statement on their Facebook read.