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 once formed Stokesley's workhouse, were operated by North Yorkshire County Council as a home for elderly people.

S4 Developments bought the land and buildings 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 to preserve the old buildings, including taking down and rebuilding the lodge's 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.

Steve Hesmondhalgh, head of planning and design at Blackett Hart and Pratt LLP, said: "The council presented us with a number of challenging issues to come up with a high-quality, sensitive development that was also commercially viable.

"We worked very closely with officers and councillors to put together a scheme that meets the needs of Stokesley, is an asset to the area and retains all the historical features of the original grade II-listed buildings."

Stuart Coleman, managing director of S4 Developments, said: "We knew there was clear demand for quality homes for over-55s, and that has been borne out by the fact that 16 of the 25 properties are either sold or reserved, more than a year before the whole development is to be completed.

"The location couldn't be better for owners who don't necessarily want to go everywhere by car, as the town centre is just a short walk away.