Builders are pressing ahead with a major conversion project on a former office building in the centre of Cheltenham

Helm Construction has been called in to convert the former telecoms company base on the corner of Oriel Road and Vittoria Walk to 15 new apartments including insulated external render and replacement windows.

The 40 week conversion project is being undertaken on behalf of developer Telereal.

Helm Construction Commercial Manager Chris Catley said: “It makes sense to convert redundant office or retail properties to provide homes for the community and Oriel House is a great example of what can be achieved.”

The five-storey office building is being converted in to 14 two-bedroom apartments and a one-bedroom apartment on the ground floor.

“Our first task was to liaise with the properties surrounding the building to gain access to install the scaffolding.

“As the site doesn’t have room for a hoist, a forklift has been used to lift materials on to the scaffold from the road so a traffic management plan needs to be in place. There are mobile phone masts positioned on the building, so careful planning and liaison is necessary with the communications providers involved.”

He added: “Once complete, the building will be clad with a modern insulated render system with new windows throughout.

“The soundproof layers between units will also be of the highest quality. The build has to be of the highest standard reflecting the quality of finish that the client and Cheltenham demands.”

Each apartment will have its own dedicated parking space and access to a large cycle store.

The 40 week project is expected to be complete by July 2018. The scheme is the biggest contract the firm has ever won in Cheltenham.

Chris Catley concluded: “We completed an ambitious re-development of a small bungalow at Park Lane in Prestbury into a luxurious four-bedroom home and we are also working on a major extension to the facilities at Stuart Court in Minchinhampton.”