BUYERS have been snapping up apartments within the former town centre base of Skipton Building Society, says the Ilkley-based developer.

Providence Place, once described by Prince Charles as an "out-of-scale monster", is being converted into 46 apartments.

The first phase went on sale before Christmas, and half of the 46 - ranging in price from £95,000 to £125,000 - have been sold.

Conversion of the building did not require planning permission, following changes to town centre planning rules, although changes to the exterior did need the approval of Craven District Council.

Guy Taylor, of award-winning Ilkley-based developer Candelisa, said buyers included professionals, first time buyers and downsizers.

"We have taken an eclectic mix of buildings and used our regeneration expertise to create the perfect space in the perfect place, right in the heart of the best place to live in Britain, according to a report in The Sunday Times last year," he said.

The apartments are either one or two bedroom and include outdoor seating areas or balconies. There is also a communal roof garden, with far reaching views, and each apartment has its own car parking space.