AN EMPTY property in Oswestry town centre will be transformed into residential apartments and a range of shops.

The building on Cross Street has been empty for several years, with the town council making numerous efforts and proposals to repurpose the space.

Following a successful grant application to the High Streets Heritage Action Zones, the proposed Little Mall Scheme has been given the go ahead and work will be beginning on the site as early as 2022.

The proposal was made by local chartered architectural practice, design and planning associates Celt Rowlands, working with property consultants.

Their ambition transform the unit into “a welcoming boutique arcade of smaller shops providing opportunities for independents to get onto the high street, while enhancing the shopping experience in Cross Street”.

In an update announcing the success of the application from the Design and Planning Associates, they said: “we take this opportunity to thank English Heritage and the Oswestry High Street HAZ team for their continued support. We look forward to seeing other period buildings taking advantage of the Oswestry High Street Heritage Action Zone grant scheme and seeing our town’s tourism and retail activity grow.”

The High Street Heritage Action Zone project is a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England, designed to secure lasting improvements and help breathe new life into historic high streets for the communities and businesses that use them.

Historic England is working with local people and partners to unlock the rich heritage on these high streets, through repair and improvement works as well as arts and cultural programmes, making them more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors.