IT HAS taken more than 16 years but Eastleigh's former Church of the Resurrection has finally received a new roof.

Ever since a disastrous fire swept through the Grade II listed building it has been known as the "church without a roof."

Workmen have been busy fixing tiles to the roof of the building, pictured, which has literally risen from the ashes.

For it is now set to take on a new role providing homes in the heart of the town.

The landmark buildinG was in danger of becoming an embarrassing eyesore.

But Eastleigh Housing Association stepped in with a £2. 5m redevelopment plan to save the old Church of the Resurrection.

Eastleigh councillors gave it their blessing and work has been forging ahead to create 25 flats which will be a mix of affordable and subsidised key worker homes.

The latest technological wizardry has been used in the conversion, including throwing a steel ring around the inside of the building.

Project manager Simon Corp said: "The steel frame supports the new flats and allows us to retain as much of the interior as we can. This will help us to retain its original character."

Work is due to be completed in April 2004 and the former church building will provide a spiritual home for a new congregation.