BUILDING work to turn a disused town centre building into luxury apartments is on schedule, according to a developer.

The redundant Atrium building at the junction of Princes Street and Beckhampton Street, which has now been stripped back to its frame, will be transformed into 199 flats. A new second level of basement car parking will also be installed.

Swindon residents had questioned why it appeared to be taking so long for the new-look building to take shape, but Bristol-based house builders Swan Hill, said everything was on schedule. The development, which will also include a health and fitness suite, restaurant and 16,000 sq ft of commercial space, will be renamed and apartments are to be sold for between £100,000 and £250,000.

Planners approved the scheme before Christmas 2003.