A FORMER Working Men's Club in Chard town centre has been transformed into five new affordable homes.

The landmark Working Men's Club in Fore Street has been renovated by developer Stonewater to create five new apartments.

The former derelict building, built in the 19th century, now consists of one two-bedroom and four one-bedroom apartments after it was renovated by Stonewater, in partnership with South Somerset District Council and construction experts Titan Group.

Richard Stevenson, Stonewater executive director, said: "This conversion is a great example of how redundant buildings in our rural town centres can be transformed into vibrant and affordable places for local people to live.

"Not only do they help to address the shortage of affordable housing in the community, but they also help regenerate and breathe new life into the high street, boosting local trade, services and businesses."

The iconic frontage of the Victorian former club has also been restored, but the building still celebrates its history.

Hallways in the building have been decorated with old photographs of the building and the high street that were provided by Chard Museum, printed on large acoustic panels.

Completed as part of the Empty Homes Programme, the renovation was financed by grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and South Somerset District Council.

Stonewater has also donated the club's old signage and flagpole to the museum to preserve the original history of the building.

But, the redevelopment work has not yet finished. Four more homes are set to be built at the back of the building, and all four will be classed as affordable.

Cllr Ric Pallister, leader of South Somerset District Council, said: "There was a growing disbelief in Chard that we would ever see this important building renovated as the years passed and this decaying eyesore blighted the main approach to the town.

"Stonewater rose to that challenge and now the transformation is complete.

"Not only has the project made a major contribution to the regeneration of the high street, it has created some stunning, unusual and much-needed apartments close to the town centre and major employers.

"From the inside those apartments I have got the immediate, 'I could live here' feel and I am immensely proud of what Stonewater, working in partnership with the council has achieved."

Stonewater's conversion of the Working Men's Club follows its recent completion of 56 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership in Great Western Road, and 10 new homes for affordable rent in Millfield, Chard.

Stonewater currently owns and manages around 900 properties in South Somerset with approximately 100 under development.