A DILAPIDATED landmark building is being given a £4m make-over to create 50 luxury apartments.

Developer Tony Collins is behind the re-development of the old Co-op building, in Park Road, Hartlepool.

Mr Collins, who has owned the building since 1993, said 22 of the flats were sold in only three days - before the year-long project has even started.

Middlesbrough-based Mr Collins said: "This is a different animal from the Marina. It will be classic city centre living with a beautiful listed building facade.

"After taking so long to put together, it's just a great thing to be involved in. It's going to be an excellent facility and it's going to be done right."

The top specification one- and two-bedroom apartments are priced between £70,000 and £150,000 and aimed at young professionals.

Mr Collins also revealed there will be a penthouse property with up to three bedrooms, but no price had yet been set.

Hartlepool New Deal for Communities (NDC) is providing £100,000 funding to the project. A spokeswoman said: "We are pleased to be involved in the redevelopment of this historic building, which is situated at the heart of the NDC area."

A spokesman from Hartlepool Borough Council also praised the venture. He said: "The former Co-op building occupies a prime site in the town centre and this is an exciting development to bring it back into use."

Work, that could create many sub-contracting jobs in town, is set to start in April and last for around a year, subject to council planning obligations.

The next phase of properties will also be released at this stage.