Work is due to start on a scheme that will transform a vacant east Belfast primary school into brand new social housing.

Managed by Connswater Homes, the local housing association expects to receive planning permission to turn the listed Mersey Street Primary School into 30 new apartments.

The development will include 28 two-bedroom facilities and a further two one-bedroom apartments. All will be built to equal homes standard.

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A spokesperson for Connswater Homes said: "We expect the whole project will take about two years, with many of the original features being retained. We hope to be on site at the end of March."

A spokesperson for the NI Housing Executive said: "Given the housing need in east Belfast the Housing Executive has supported the conversion of the old Mersey Street Primary School into social housing."

According to a spokesperson for the planning department, two applications were still under consideration - one for full planning permission and one for listed building consent.

(NS/BMcC)