A MULTI-million pound transformation of a historic school building into a retirement complex is in the final stages of construction.

The £10.5million School Gardens initiative has seen the former Stourport First School building completely transformed as the retirement living scheme takes shape.

Bromford began construction on the Tan Lane site in December 2015 and bosses expect residents to move in from April.

The whole development will see 60 high-quality apartments for people aged 55 and over as well as a café bistro, lounge, activity studio, gym and hair and beauty salon.

Howard Messer, site manager, said: “We are motoring ahead in the final phase now, with all the individual plots fitted out and the commercial kitchen and lifts going in.

“I’d say up to 70 per cent of the landscaping has also been completed so we are now continuing with the internal fitting out as well as the communal areas being decorated.”

He added: “The school building has been a challenging project in itself, partly because with refurbishment works you never quite know what you are dealing with until you have taken it to pieces.

“But I have to say, now that we are in the final stages of that phase of the work, it really is amazing just how much the school building transforms the whole site.

“We have completed the insulation of the external walls of the school house now, and currently we are plastering throughout the properties.

“You do get huge job satisfaction when the final task is completed and I’m sure I’ll look back and think ‘wow, I’ve been part of quite an iconic project here’ once it is finished. School Gardens is really coming to life now.”

Prospective residents are asked to call 01299 393456 or visit www.bromford.co.uk/schoolgardens for further information.