BUILDING work has begun as a scheme to revitalise Prudhoe town centre takes shape.

Construction workers have moved in to create a new development of shops and affordable homes in the heart of the town.

Two new shops and two first floor flats are to take the place of the former Windsor Bakery on Front Street.

The bakery building has stood empty for a number of years and no longer met modern standards for either retail or residential use.

Over the summer work has taken place to demolish the old building and contractor SV Rutter has now moved in to build the new structure.

The new two-storey building will feature two ground floor retail units and two first floor one bedroom flats.

This set-up is known as a Living Over The Shop scheme, or LOTS, and aims to revitalise town centres.

The development is an initiative from Prudhoe Community Partnership, who worked with Isos Housing to bring the £400,000 scheme forward.

It has been funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, Northumberland County Council and Prudhoe Community Partnership .

The partnership hopes that two new stores will be in place by Christmas this year.

Chairman, George Hepburn, said: “The partnership is delighted the scheme is under way and we look forward to letting two modern shops on Front Street in time for Christmas that will contribute to a thriving community.

“Anyone interested in renting one of these great new shops should contact the partnership office at The Spetchells in the centre of Prudhoe, just 100 yards from the development site.”

The partnership and Isos have also been working in liaison with the Co-operative Group, who own the neighbouring Co-op store to bring the development forward.

Development and regeneration manager for Isos Housing, Vince Walsh, said: “We can work alongside community representatives to deliver a project which provides the type of affordable homes people need alongside an excellent standard of retail provision too.”