Cosmopolitan completes Southport flats

Cosmopolitan Housing Association has completed a new development of 19 apartments in Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport.

The building dates back to the early 1900's and has undergone an extensive refurbishment programme whilst retaining the building's façade.

Internal original features including sash windows, ornate covings and exposed internal chimney stacks have been repaired and restored.

The building has also features low energy lighting and internal cycle storage.

Cosmopolitan said Sefton Council was keen to see the property completed after the council approached them in June 2009 to acquire the property.

Karen Hunter, Cosmopolitan project manager, said: "Cosmopolitan is delighted to be involved in the process of restoring this building to its former glory, and we remain committed to working with developers to provide good quality accommodation in this area. The apartments are finished to a very high standard and will provide much needed accommodation in Southport."

The 12 month refurbishment and conversion project has cost in the region of £2m and was supported by grants from the Homes & Communities Agency and Lottery Funding which was acquired by Sefton Council to assist in the preservation of the buildings original features, with the remainder of the funding being met by Cosmopolitan.

The refurbished building comprises one and two bedroom apartments for rent on the upper three floors, with Sefton Council taking a long lease on the ground floor commercial space to provide support services from Sefton Carers.

Barnes Construction carried out the refurbishment.