WORK has started to build a new apartment block in Hereford.

The £1.6million Sanctuary development in Coningsby Street will see 10 one-bedroom apartments being built and is part of a wider regeneration taking place in the city entre.

Councillor Graham Powell was invited to dig the first spade into the ground last week to commemorate the start of the construction work.

A presentation about the scheme was also held at the Courtyard.

"Sanctuary has worked closely with Herefordshire Council over a number of years as plans for the wider regeneration of Hereford city centre have evolved and we are proud to be playing such a key part in providing new housing for the city," said Peter Martin, Sanctuary group director.

"Our development in Coningsby Street symbolises the start of an ambitious scheme which will ultimately provide hundreds of new homes for Hereford."

The development is set to be completed early next year.