THIS is the multi-million pound vision of a new care housing scheme which is expected to be completed by next April.

Work is underway to transform the former Lancashire Watch Factory in Prescot into 54 extra care apartments and 16 bungalows in a project costing almost £11m. The historic grade II listed building on Albany Road covers almost seven acres.

Construction company Harbur has moved on to the site and is working alongside developers Iliad and Knowsley Housing Trust to bring the project to fruition.

Ian Thompson executive director at the trust said: "Our new site at Albany Road is steeped with rich heritage and it's a real achievement for our local communities that we can celebrate and retain the legacy of the Lancashire Watch Company while at the same time building much needed accessible homes for our older people who have extra care needs."

Prescot once earned world renowned recognition for the quality of its watch making and the factory was built around 1889-90 but closed in 1911. Since then it was used by light industry as Prescot Trade Centre.