WORK will commence in a matter of weeks on a new block of 49 flats in Bournemouth town centre.

The £13.5million development in Hinton Road cleared its final planning hurdle this week when specifics of the scheme were given the green light.

Poole-based Fortitudo has already demolished Fairview House ahead of delivering a new eight-storey building on the site.

Richard Carr, Fortitudo chief executive, told the Daily Echo that construction is due to begin towards the end of March.

“It is 49 apartments and the ones on the upper floors will have views over the bay," Mr Carr said.

“There are not that many newer flats in Bournemouth town centre.

“I think they will be pretty sought after. The site is in a very, very good position within walking distance to the beach.

“We have already had quite a lot of interest.”

Mr Carr said the properties would be sold but a lot of the firm’s schemes attract interest from investors.

“I imagine there will be some bought by local investors, who will then rent them out," he said.

“It is helping all walks of life in that sense.”

Fortitudo received the outline planning permission for the eight-storey building in May last year from officers. This was after already getting an outline consent for a smaller seven-storey development of 40 flats from the council’s planning committee.

Earlier this month, planning officers approved the reserved matters application for the outstanding details.

The redevelopment of Fairview House comes as several other schemes have been proposed in Hinton Road.

McClaren Property has submitted plans for more than 160 students flats at the former Westover Garage.

YMCA Bournemouth’s huge redevelopment plans of its Delta House base include knocking down the building fronting Hinton Road and delivering a six-storey extension in its place.

The temporary accommodation entrance would be moved to Hinton Road as part of this scheme, which is currently being assessed by planning officers.