TWO new shops are on the cards for Hereford's High Town after it was revealed that both retail units at the formerly fire-ravaged Alban House have been reserved.

After nearly a decade hidden behind scaffolding, Alban House has been rebuilt.

The building was engulfed in flames in 2010, bringing Hereford to a standstill and requiring over 100 firefighters to bring it under control and stop it spreading to neighbouring properties.

A series of setbacks hit would-be developers over the next seven years, and the site remained derelict until Elevate stepped in to take on the project, with work starting in 2018.

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Now completion of the project is on the horizon, with work on schedule to be finished on before Christmas, and Elevate property group have praised the local contractors who have delivered “an exceptional product”.

Elevate managing director Steve Dodd said: “This was never going to be an easy project. The site had stood derelict for seven years, and there was enormous pressure on Herefordshire Council to do something about this prominent site that was frankly blighting one of the more attractive parts of the city.

“We have been very pleased with the quality of workmanship and the team spirit shown by everyone at C J Bayliss. They have delivered an exceptional product.”

To mark the pending completion, Elevate Property Group is holding a twilight viewing with mulled wine and mince pies on late shopping night on December 4.

Half of the building's Alban House’s 18 residential dwellings and the two ground floor retail units have already been reserved. Their names have not yet been revealed.

Invitations to view Alban House or to attend the twilight viewing are available from agent Arkwright Owens in Hereford on 01432 267213, or Connells on 01432 267511.