By RACHEL SPENCER

HIGH class housing and a state of the art leisure club are to become a feature of one of the town's most historical quarters.

And it is hoped the Palmyra Square development will be a major step towards ambitious plans to regenerate Warrington town centre.

Bulldozers are poised to move in on the former Royal Mail sorting office building in Palmyra Square, converting the site to a five storey block containing 48 apartments.

Developers Prestigious Living have started work on listed buildings, seen as the "missing tooth" between the former Post Office building on Springfield Street and Holly House, into luxury apartments made from red and brown brick and slate which they say will have strong links with the character of the former building.

Inside the apartments will be a concierge service, lift, guest suite, reception rooms, laundry and a security service.

A spokeswoman for the developers said: "We were so impressed with what is happening in and around Warrington and the proximity with the nearby cities of Manchester and Liverpool. We consider this a very desirable and lively place to live."

Meanwhile, the former post office building is set to become a luxury health and fitness club, restaurant and offices.

Anyone interested in the complex can call Pam Hey on 07977 636819.