Plans have been submitted to erect a new commercial building at the former site of the Clayhouse Inn, once a popular nightspot.

The planning application proposes the creation of a commercial building at the North Shore, Devonshire, site, with a basement, retail space on the ground floor and doctors’ offices on the first floor.

Architectural drawings label the retail space as having a pharmacy, a restaurant and a liquor store.

A website for the developer behind the project, Clayhouse Renaissance, said it had been a dream of the property’s owner to further develop the project since its heyday as a nightclub and residences.

“The proposed development will continue its commercial use with the establishment of a pharmacy and doctors’ offices,” the website states.

“The family see the development as a win for the surrounding and distant neighbourhoods due to the intended use and location along a well-travelled road. The nearest facility that is similar is approximately two to three miles away.”

Planning documents included in the application state that the proposed building would be located in the same footprint as the former Clayhouse Inn, which was demolished after falling into a state of disrepair, but have a smaller overall footprint.

The site would also have parking for 31 cars and 26 motorcycles.

The documents stated: “The development is not out of character for the area. There are existing commercial developments located within the setbacks under Residential 1 zoning.

“These commercial developments are similar in height with two storeys above the road level.”

While the application noted that the proposal did not comply with the minimum setback from the road, it noted that a sidewalk would be created between the building and the road.

Plans for the site were approved in principle in 2008, but the new proposal is smaller than the earlier design.

“The proposed building is located to soften any visual impact and provide the similar view of the previous building when viewed from overlooking properties,” the application said.

“The previous building had no setback from the North Shore Road and the shoreline. We have provided a setback along North Shore Road to install a sidewalk for pedestrian safety. We have also provided a setback from the shoreline.”

The Clayhouse Inn became a top venue after the late Choy Aming Sr, a Trinidadian, leased it in 1967.

International artists from Ziggy Marley to Roberta Flack performed at the club, as well as carnival dancers, the Not the Um Um Show and a range of novelty acts.

The venue shut its doors after a January 2002 fire, and the building fell into disrepair as it sat vacant until 2020, when the structure was torn down.

Clayhouse Renaissance proposed construction of a four-storey apartment block on the site with a two-storey commercial building, restaurant and offices about ten years ago.

The project was abandoned after neighbours opposed the development.