AN Eastleigh church building that has had a direct access to the heavens for 18-years is finally getting a new roof.

In 1985 the Church of the Resurrection was ravaged by a fire which destroyed its ceiling and left the building an empty shell.

Now developers are giving the old building a roof as part of a £2.5m scheme to transform it into 25 flats.

A spokeswoman for Eastleigh Housing Association said: "Work on the Grade II listed building is on schedule for completion in April 2004. The first residents will move in as soon as possible after that date.

"The development of 25 flats will be a mix of affordable and subsidised key worker homes let at 75 per cent of open market rates. Derelict for over 16-years, the building was a major eyesore in the centre of town until the housing association supported by Eastleigh Borough Council stepped in."

Following the fire, civic chiefs were adamant that the former parish church should remain part of the local heritage and kicked out plans to replace it with offices.

Then Eastleigh Housing Association stepped in with a scheme to build 25 flats around the shell of the building, which dates from 1868.

Builders have installed a massive 1,000-metre steel frame around the building so that its ancient walls are protected and do not bear weight.

Project manager Simon Corp said: "The steel frame supports the new flats and allows us to retain as much of the exterior as we can."