PENDLE-based Barnfield Construction today unveiled details of a £4millon contract to develop and refurbish a derelict warehouse into luxury apartments in Liverpool.

The company, which is currently transforming the former Hartley Hospital in Laneshawbridge into homes, will develop the Waring and Gillow warehouse, Wood Street, that has been derelict for several years.

The site, which will also incorporate two ground floor commercial units, will be promoted by Barnfield's residential division, Barnfield Homes.

Permission was granted to Barnfield Homes to build 43 luxury apartments and two commercial units in the Rope Walks area of the city centre, which has been earmarked as a major area of regeneration with a wealth of listed and historical buildings and is being hailed as the city's cultural quarter.

Work commenced on site in early March and the apartments are expected to be offered for sale in a price range of £70,000 to £140,000.

Mark Taylforth, Barnfield Construction's development director said: "We are delighted to be able to undertake such a prestigious development in this vibrant part of the city. There has been a huge investment in the Rope Walks area of Liverpool and this exciting scheme will further enhance the area with the creation of 43 individually designed apartments. We have been working closely with Liverpool based architects the Griffiths Thompson Partnership to ensure that the work is carried out sympathetically and in keeping with the heritage of the city.

"There have been a number of enquiries on site I would envisage the majority of the apartments to be sold prior to the development being completed."