WORK is about to start on transforming the old Kennet District Council offices in Devizes into a apartments for the elderly.

McCarthy and Stone gained planning permission earlier this year for the flats that will be aimed at people aged over 70 who need extra help with living independently.

It will consist of 55 one and two bedroom apartments that will have kitchens, open-plan living areas and en-suite bathrooms.

A spokesman said: "The new Retirement Living Plus development will provide an ideal downsizing option for retirees seeking the privacy that comes with owning your own home; but need a little extra support in the form of domestic assistance, such as help with laundry or cleaning, and 24-7 tailored care packages.

"Apartments will be available to buy off-plan from summer 2018, with first occupations expected in winter 2019.

"There will also be ample communal space including a large homeowners’ lounge, perfect for socialising with new neighbours, on-site restaurant which will serve fresh and nutritious meal options for homeowners daily, and a guest suite for when family and friends come to stay."

The developers say the flats will also bring economic benefits to Devizes as the average total expenditure generated by its homeowners in a new development is £670,000 a year.

Kim Caldwell, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy and Stone, comments: “Our Devizes development has already attracted significant levels of interest from local people who are interested in downsizing to a lower maintenance property."

The old Browfort council offices were empty for many years after employees moved to Trowbridge in 2009 after the merger of district councils and the old Wiltshire County Council into the unitary Wiltshire Council.

Julia's House children's hospice now occupies a building at the top of the hill where the former registrar office used to be sited.

Plans for the flats were largely welcomed by Devizes Town Council and Wiltshire Council when an exhibition of the plans was held last year.