SOUTHERN buyers have been snapping up apartments in a mill conversion in Glossop even though planners have only just given the scheme the go-ahead.

The redevelopment of Wrens Nest mill into living space is part of a major regeneration of a redundant site 9 acre site on the edge of town.

While another mill and chimney will be demolished Wrens Nest will be converted into 74 apartments, all two bedrooms, and many with original pillars, built around a central atrium. The top floor penthouses will have floor to ceiling windows, which, because of the height of the building, will have views over the town to the Peak District beyond.

Prices start at '110,000 up to '200,000, including parking.

And Barbara Holmes, sales director of Leeds based Oakapple Homes who are doing the conversion said: "We took the scheme to the homebuyers Show in London in March and the response was incredible and we are going to be at the Property investor Show North in Manchester next week.

Train station

This scheme ticks all the right boxes for investors. The location is fantastic near a good traditional town centre but close to the country and near a train station with good services into Manchester.

"The apartments re priced keenly and there is not a lot of competition around so rents should be strong giving a good return on the investment."

Work on clearing the site is due to start in August.

Anyone who buys will have shopping on their doorstep. Tesco already has a big store next door and Next and Argos have signed up for the Wrens nest site as well as Brantano Footwear, Focus and KFC.

Damian Flood is from Manchester based Modus Properties who are developing the site in a joint venture with Gregory Property Holdings. He said: "The site is an eyesore on the town but this mixed development will bring jobs, new shops and new housing right into the centre.

"We have had big interest from big names to come here because it is an area of high spending commuters who work in either Sheffield or Manchester.

"We aim to be open for Christmas 2005." Tweet