THE first phase of a £1.5m development scheme to transform the Shelbourne Hotel, in Southport, into nine luxury apartments has been completed.

The project to convert the 23-bedroom hotel into apartments is the work of Norman and Patricia Ball, the husband and wife team who ran the Shelbourne for over 25 years.

Phase one saw part of the former hotel converted into five apartments, and now construction work is under way on the rest of the property to create four additional apartments.

Financial support for the project is being provided by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The apartments are located in Lord Street, the town’s famous Victorian thoroughfare, and are a mix of two and three bedroom properties complete with en-suite bathrooms and shower rooms.

The apartments have been finished using luxury fittings and benefit from a communal garden and private parking spaces.

Mr Ball said: “We set ourselves high standards and our aim is to create homes with character that stand out from others in the market. The scheme offers buyers stylish properties in a desirable location, with easy access to the attractions of Southport town centre.”

RBS in Southport provided the funding for the development. Shirley Duell, relationship manager, commercial banking at RBS, said: “Norman and Pat have come up with an attractive and innovative scheme that will complement the range of properties available in the area. Given the excellent location of the apartments, I am sure they will be in demand.”

tonymcdonough