The developer’s contracting arm has begun work to transform a grade two-listed former post office on Palmyra Square into 21 hotel apartments, approved last year.

Priestley Construction is converting the upper floors of the property into “high specification” apartments for short-term rent on behalf of Leeds-based Danny Inman Property and Priestley Homes.

The developer won planning approval for the £3.2m project from Warrington Council last September and, now that work has begun on site, aims to complete the scheme in the second quarter of 2022.

Under the plans, many of the building’s original features will be refurbished and retained and the existing restaurant and bar on the ground floor will continue to operate.

Flooring, however, will be built up to achieve the best acoustic separation between the restaurant and aparthotel, and high-tech entry systems will be installed to allow hotel guests to enter the building using their smartphones.