WORK has started to transform one of Runcorn’s most iconic landmarks into new homes.

A £2.9 million project will see Victoria House, the former cottage hospital turned into six two bed houses and 22 one and two bed apartments.

Halton Housing Trust is working with John McCall Architects, Bardsley Construction, Aecom and the Alan Johnson Partnership.

The scheme is expected to be completed by winter 2017.

Nicky Harris, the trust’s development manager said: “A renovation of this kind will be a first for the trust and we’re looking forward to bringing new life to the former cottage hospital yet still preserving its heritage. “We have fantastic architects, builders and engineers working on the project and we’re confident that the development will be a success.”

The project involves selective demolition and conversion of the existing building with complimentary new build.

The scheme was grant funded by the Homes and Communities Agency and forms part of the trust’s ambitious development programme.

Since January 2016, 241 new homes costing £27 million have been constructed in Halton.

This includes the trust’s largest ever development in the Tan House Lane area of Widnes where 175 apartments and houses are being built.

Work has also also started on another 233 homes for completion in 2017 and 2018, investing a further £26 million.

Since the summer the trust has completed sites around Runcorn and Widnes including Queens Avenue, Crossways, Crow Wood Lane and Brentfield as well as building its first self-build Grange House in Runcorn.