WORK is now under way to transform the fortunes of a Burnley landmark which dates back to the 15th century.

Grade Two listed Holme Hall, in Burnley Road, Cliviger, changed hands for £151,000 at a Manchester auction last year.

Now Cliviger councillor and former Burnley mayor Coun David Heginbotham hopes a solution can finally be found for the former manor house.

Renovation operations are being undertaken by Leigh-based Berkshire Homes, which hopes to create 10 luxury apartments there, with starting prices of just under £100,000.

But Coun Heginbotham has warned that the property, last used more than a decade ago as a retirement home, has already seen off more than one would-be developer.

He said: “I hope this company can pull it off, for the sake of the building and the sake of Cliviger. It’s not only a prominent site in Cliviger but a gateway into Burnley.”

The councillor has estimated it may take around £500,000 to restore the oak beam and grey slate roof alone, to satisfy English Heritage.

Once the premises closed as a retirement home in 2003, Holme Hall was devastated by an arson attack the following year.

While the building was originally constructed in the 15th century it was rebuilt in the 17th century and extended in the 1850s.

Just under seven years ago developer Hurstwood sold the hall for £600,000.

The land surrounding the hall once belonged to the Tattersall family and housed a chapel which lent its name to the neighbouring village of Holme Chapel.