THE former home of the Radcliffe Times has been transformed into six modern apartments as part of a regeneration project.

The 121-year-old building, which has been battered by a serious fire and high winds in recent years, is now home to new tenants.

Whitehaven firm Paul Cook Developments, backed by a Homes England grant, has been behind the overhaul of the Church Street West landmark.

A huge blaze had affected the property in 2009 and gale force winds left the roof in a state of collapse in January 2017.

But after months of building work, the old offices, which overhang the River Irwell, have now all been let and occupied.

Work is now proceeding on four more apartments, on adjoining land, a scheme which is nearly complete.

Cllr Clare Cummins, housing cabinet member, said: “As part our affordable homes building programme, these new homes on Radcliffe’s high street have been delivered with grant support from Homes England.

"It demonstrates the council’s commitment to delivering affordable homes to meet housing need in the borough."

Council leader Cllr Eamonn O’ Brien added: "This transformation of the former derelict Radcliffe Times building has the dual benefit of providing much-needed affordable housing in the area, while using a prominent town centre brownfield site.

"I am really pleased that the building is now enjoying a fresh lease of life on Radcliffe’s high street with its distinctive façade kept intact, as well as providing stylish new flats for affordable living."

The properties, which form part of a wider regeneration effort for the town, will be managed in future by borough landlord Six Towns Housing.

Sharon McCambridge, their chief executive, said: “We are really pleased to add the management of these homes to the portfolio of nearly 8,000 homes that we manage on behalf of the council and would like to welcome everyone who has moved into these fantastic new flats.”