STOURBRIDGE'S former police station will be turned into 31 town centre apartments after plans were given the green light by the council.

The work to convert the station on New Road, which was closed in July 2017 as part of police budget cuts, will begin this summer.

Developers Lovell have pledged the scheme 'will create stylish, contemporary homes whilst retaining many of the original features of the historic police station'.

There will be a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, while two of the flats will be created out of the old cells.

The main police station was built in 1911 as the headquarters of the Worcestershire County Constabulary but parts of the building date back to 1885.

The ‘Wendy House’ and an accommodation block, which will also be converted through the scheme, are believed to date from the 1930s.

Lovell have also promised to retain the external blue doors and barrel ceiling of the old court room.

“We’re excited to be opening a new chapter in the history of the police station and look forward to starting work on this landmark development later this year,” said Lovell regional refurbishment director Carl Yale.

“The scheme will celebrate and preserve many of the original features of the historic building while introducing a contemporary twist.

“We predict extremely high demand for these individual luxury apartments and maisonettes where residents will have access to all the amenities of the town centre in a location close to both Stourbridge railway station and the Stourbridge Interchange bus station.”