A building in the heart of Hamilton could soon sprout two extra storeys, one of which will be a 3,000 sq foot penthouse with commanding views across the city and the harbour.

Developers are seeking permission to increase the size of Chancery Hall, which is at the junction of Reid Street and the Chancery Lane pedestrian thoroughfare.

Plans have been submitted that would put another two floors on top of the current building. The building currently appears as a three-storey complex on Reid Street. The plans would have the effect of turning its appearance from Reid Street into a five-storey tall structure.

However, the redeveloped building will actually be seven-storeys in total as it already has two lower storeys that run alongside the descending Chancery Lane and house Fresco's bar and restaurant, which will remain within the new plans.

The application has been submitted by Chancery Holdings, which describes the plan as "redeveloping the existing structure on site with the additional of two additional floors to match the height set by the adjacent buildings on Reid Street".

In a submission to the Development Applications Board, the developer states: "The structure, as it also borders Chancery Lane, will have two floors below Reid Street and will be accessible via the existing alley."

Apart from the top floor penthouse, the building will consist of a 6,380 sq ft restaurant and 13,300 sq ft of office space.