ONCE at the heart of council services provided across Tynedale, Hexham's historic Prospect House could soon be transformed into apartments.

An offer on the prominent public building was accepted by Northumberland County Council in March and the sudden closure of the 22-space car park last month signaled the completion of the transaction.

The structure, on Hallgate, has been a council headquarters since 1939 but is now in the hands of a developer looking to provide residential accommodation in the town centre.

And although the identity of the new owner is yet to be confirmed, it is understood that pre-planning application advice based around dividing the grade two listed premises into flats is being sought.