A £2.7m Government cash boost has kickstarted plans to create “one of the best sheltered housing schemes in the south” in Southampton.

The £9.8m overhaul of Erskine Court was dependent on the grant, and building work could now begin early next year.

The money will go towards the overhaul, which will replace the 32 flats currently at the site with 54 new, high quality apartments.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, Labour chiefs earlier this year approved plans for the scheme at the site in Lordshill.

Council chiefs have previously told of their hopes that, when completed, the scheme would become one of the best sheltered housing schemes in the south.

As well as the flats, the rebuild would provide a new community area featuring services such as foot care and hairdressing which will be available to tenants from other sheltered housing sites.

Apart from the £2.7m funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Department of Health, the rest of the scheme will be funded through the city housing revenue account, which is funded by tenants’ rent and other housing income.

Council officers are working with the remaining tenants at the building to find them alternative homes for the duration of the building work.

The council will now submit a planning application for the site, and if permission is granted, work could begin in spring next year.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2016.

The previous Conservative administration at the city council had wanted to knock down Erskine Court and sell the land for development, but that plan was scrapped after a public outcry.

Council housing chief Cllr Warwick Payne said: “We’ve worked hard to win this investment and I’m grateful for the HCA giving us the full amount we bid for, and also its continued support.

“The flexible space in the new building will allow community access to services designed not just for residents, but the wider community.

“I’m delighted that millions of pounds of investment will be coming to Lordshill, which will hopefully make Erskine Court one of the very best schemes of its kind in the south.”