A DELAPIDATED hotel building could be brought back to life brick by brick for the community if a businesswoman’s rescue plan succeeds.

The Grade II listed Royal Bell in Bromley High Street has been closed for several years after being home to a succession of failed pubs and talks are now underway to turn it into a Chinese restaurant.

But instead of accepting the plan by leaseholder Spirit Group, Amanda Hone wants to get people together to buy the building outright from the owner British Land Group.

If this is successful she hopes to turn the property into a community and arts space.

On the top two floors would be offices for community groups and charities with the first floor becoming a performing arts venue.

The stables would have exhibition space, a gallery and a shop and the ground floor would have a coffee shop and a pub with the small rooms turned into studio and rehearsal spaces.

Ms Hone said: “The ultimate goal is to have the building bought by the people of Bromley.

“I’m going to set up a community land trust so people can buy one brick of the Royal Bell.

“It will be bought by the community for the community and it is something for people to be proud of.

“We have a chance to do this and public support is going to be so important and I think given the opportunity people will say ‘Yes, I will buy a £50 share in my community’.”

The Royal Bell was built in 1898 on the site of an old coaching inn and is on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk register.

Ms Hone, who does the marketing for nearby Ferrari’s restaurant, has set up a Bromley Arts and Community Initiative blog where people can get involved at bromleyartsandcommunity.blogspot.co.uk

And she can be emailed at amanda.c.hone@gmail.com