A DILAPIDATED nursery building could soon be brought back into use after yet another application was made by the building’s owners.

The former Abbey Meads Nursery, located on Elstree Way, has been standing empty since 2006 and has since become a target for vandals.

Numerous groups have looked at using the building but found rent too high, while an attempt to convert the site into a supermarket last year was rejected over concerns an important asset would be lost.

However, a new application aims to address these problems by dividing it into several units so it is multi-functional. If successful, there would be two shops and a smaller nursery.

Those behind the application, Stokesy & Co Estates Limited, say they carried out a full marketing exercise and found many businesses thought the 6,000 square foot building was either too big or too expensive for their needs.

The application says: “There has been no plausible interest in keeping the property for a nursery in its existing size, but national nursery chains contacted conclude that as well as having too much competition in the surrounding area, the size of the unit was prohibitive in taking it forward.

“These chains have suggested that a unit of approximately 2,000 square feet, giving way to space for approximately 50 children following Ofsted guidelines, would be the most appropriate size for any nursery at that location.

“We have also seen enquiries from a number of retailers, both national and local, who see the existing range on offer at Abbey Meads centre and feel there is space for further competition.

“Following the initial marketing exercises it has become evident that a mixture of retail and a smaller nursery unit is the best way forward for the site.”

The site was formerly used by Leapfrog Nursery and then Busy Bees but that was the last time it was used. In 2011 firefighters were caused to deal with an incident after a fire was deliberately started at the site.

Whilst the building has been closed, it has cost the owners around £250,000 in rates but no-one has used the space.

Among those who have expressed an interest in using the building is Glitterbugs nursery, currently based in The Church of Christ the Servant over the road.

But every time they have enquired about using the building, the rent required has been too high. The nursery was contacted during the marketing campaign and quoted a figure of £63,000 a year for use of the building in its current state.

Speaking at the time of the previous application, Glitterbugs owner Faye Horan said: “I know quite a few people have looked at moving into the building, but the rent being asked has always been too high.

“We certainly looked at moving in as it would have been ideal, but the amount they were asking was more than any nursery could have afforded.

“We asked about the possibility of sub-letting part of the building for extra income, but we were told we were not allowed.

“I think the building’s owners have a social responsibility to try and use the building for its original purpose which is so badly needed.”