THE first phase of a £5.7m project to convert a former workhouse into housing for people over 55 has been completed.

The buildings that formed Stokesley's workhouse were operated by North Yorkshire County Council as a home for elderly people.

S4 Developments bought the land and property, near Middlesbrough, in 2005, and secured planning permission.

The former master's lodge, now called Springfield Lodge, has been turned into four properties. New owners have moved in.

Work has started on converting the 1848 workhouse into 14 apartments, which will be known as Springfield House. Seven mews-style cottages are also being constructed.

The two and three-bedroomed cottages, called Springfield Mews, are to be completed in August, while the workhouse conversion will be finished next summer.

The developers worked closely with Hambleton District Council's conservation officer on the grade II-listed building, taking down and rebuilding the clock tower and retaining features such as original sash windows.

Planning consultants Blackett Hart and Pratt LLP and architects DKS were brought in to meet all the requirements set by the council.