A FORMER job centre in Redditch is set to transform into 98 new apartments after a multi-million-pound refurbishment.

St Stephen’s House on Prospect Hill will soon accommodate brand new apartments, in a move hoping to attract property investors to Redditch and improve its economy.

The old office block is undergoing a multi-million-pound redevelopment by Empire Property Concepts, a firm that specialises in developing attractive residential apartments from unused buildings.

39 apartments have already been sold by Solomon New Homes, including 34 during the first 100 days of lockdown.

The apartments will be designed for luxurious 21st century living, and will include high-pressure showers, chrome-finish plugs and light sockets, and USB chargers built into wall sockets.

Solomon founder Andrew Ward said: “Redditch has a growing population of around 85,000 and it’s part of one of Britain’s largest and successful manufacturing regions.

“Despite the pandemic, the combination of rising employment, a growing population and strong inward investment has helped to sustain a rewarding private rental sector in the town.

“Rising employment has prompted an inward migration of younger workers, and this has boosted demand for smaller rental properties.

“The apartments at St Stephen’s have been in particular demand and we’ve seen a steady flow of sales during lockdown. Whereas semi-detached properties have generally lost value over the previous 12 months, flats in Redditch have appreciated by a very impressive 19 per cent.”