TWO landmark buildings have been transformed into flats in a bid to inject life into a town centre.

Norway House, the former Co-op building in Albert Road, Colne, and neighbouring Princess House have been refurbished as part of a £2.1 million housing scheme to regenerate the large properties.

Work on turning the mainly office space into desirable homes started in October 1994 and was completed at the end of January this year.

Yesterday Environment Minister Sir Paul Beresford officially opened the scheme on behalf of Manchester & District Housing Association, which is managing the project through its Eaves Brook Housing Association group.

Ian Perry, chief executive of Eaves Brook, said: "This scheme is an excellent example of partnership between Pendle Council, Eaves Brook and the private sector. "This partnership has enabled these fine, imposing and architecturally important buildings to be preserved and refurbished. It is regeneration in action."

One of the new tenants, Noreen Carlisle, said: "We are delighted with our new home. There's plenty of living space and lots of room. I've got five children and they love it. They're over the moon at having their own bedrooms."

Four-storey Norway House was built in 1906. Its first two floors are used for commercial business while the upper two floors have been converted into one and two bedroom flats. Neighbouring Princess House was formerly a private house known as Colne Hall. The Co-op bought it and converted it into offices. It has been transformed into two, three and four bedroom homes.

The work has created 35 flats and nine houses, half of which have been let to people on Pendle Council's housing list.

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