MORE than half of new apartments built in Burnley' Victorian industrial quarter have been snapped up.

The Bridge Walk apartments in the Weaver's Triangle were aimed exclusively at first-time buyers aged 23 and 40.

It was the first project supported by the Whitehall’s Homes and Communities Agency.

As the steel framework rose from the remains of the former Clock Tower Mill in the Victorian industrial quarter by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Burnley Council leader Cllr Mark Townsend hailed it as a major step forward in the borough plans to bring town centre living back to the town.

Simon Morgan from Petty’s, acting agents for the Barnfield Homes development said: “So far we’ve sold 10 of the 16 properties

"Eight have gone to first time buyers using the help to buy scheme, with four being sold off plan.

"We’ve also had feedback from the purchasers that they like the fact that the apartments are only able to be sold to owner occupiers, with no investors being able to buy and rent out.

"We feel this demonstrates a real upturn in the local housing market and a real desire to live in top quality, town centre homes such as these.

“The value for money offered by developments like Bridgewalk Apartments, the amenities that are close by and the easy commute either by rail or road to the rest of the North West, means Burnley is an extremely attractive proposition to many, especially first time buyers."