Town Centre House, the vacant office block in Banbury has been brought back into use after Cherwell District Council secured £1 million of funding to transform the building into affordable housing.

Town Centre House, on the junction of Warwick Road and Southam Road, had previously been stood empty for approximately a decade prior to the council’s Build! team securing the grant from the Homes and Community Agency.

The funding has been used to secure a long-term lease with Brickmort, who own the building, and regenerate the former offices into 39 one-bedroom apartments.

Cllr John Donaldson, Cherwell’s lead member for housing, said: “This is a win-win situation for everyone concerned; not only have we provided much-needed affordable housing opportunities but we have made fantastic use of a key building in the centre of town. Town Centre House has stood empty for far too long and it’s great to bring this prominent site back into use.

“The building is located in the heart of the town centre within walking distance of the amenities which will be great for the residents while the added footfall can only be good for the economy. We are excited to welcome the first residents who will turn Town Centre House into their town centre home.”

The four-storey building has parking to the rear and has undergone a major refit to transform the former offices into apartments.

Each apartment includes one bedroom, a bathroom and separate kitchen and will be targeted at people in low level employment who will be given regular access to an employment coach to help them seek work or improve their current job prospects.

The apartments will start from £126.27 per week excluding council tax and electricity. Interviews are currently taking place with prospective tenants and it is expected that the first residents will move in later this month (September).

Anyone who is interested in renting one of the apartments will need to be listed on the council’s housing register.

For more information on the apartments contact Cherwell District Council’s housing team on 01295 227004 or email housing@banburytown.com Details on the housing register can be found online at www.cherwell.gov.uk/housingregister