A FORMER office is getting a new lease of life with work underway to turn it into flats.

Rivers House in Middlesbrough is being converted into 18 supported housing apartments complementing the existing Tai Hua Court, which is next door.

Built across two floors, the redevelopment is made up of one and two-bedroom flats.

The scheme is being delivered by Thirteen, with the conversion and extension work of the new apartments being carried out by Esh Construction, supported by funding from Homes England.

Sam White, project manager at Thirteen, said: “This conversion is a fantastic way for us to bring Rivers House back to life.

"It’s in a great location close to Middlesbrough town centre and it will complement the existing Tai Hua Court which is a specialist scheme for Chinese elders."

“It’s great to be working with Esh Construction as well as other partners to deliver these fantastic new apartments."

Gary Dobson, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Thirteen Group to re-develop an existing office space into new affordable living accommodation.

"There is a large programme of regeneration ongoing across Middlesbrough and as a local contractor we are proud to play our part by employing a local workforce, procuring a local supply and engaging within our communities.”