AN historic building in the centre of Otley is nearing its conversion into top notch apartments.

And the Bramhope builder behind the scheme is optimistic the apartments will be snapped up - as Otley becomes the area's next boom town.

The former Liberal Club in Wesley Street, a Grade Two listed, 120-year-old building, has been converted into four apartments costing from £120,000 to £152,000.

Conversion, which includes the retention of many original features including more than 40 leaded light windows, has cost more than £250,000.

Graham Barr, a partner of Barkwood Commercial Consu-ltants, said one apartment was already sold with an offer in on a second.

Similar apartments in Leeds are currently selling for £240 per square foot and in Addingham at £165 per square foot; while the Liberal Club apartments are a mere £100 per square foot.

"I really do think Otley will benefit from Leeds. The traffic congestion getting into Leeds is going to get worse and worse and businessmen and their staff are going to get really frustrated and start looking to places like Otley to relocate."

Mr Barr said he believed Leeds planners would have to look carefully at redundant buildings in the town and deal with its traffic problems.

"I would have thought Otley should be able to accommodate media and marketing businesses of around 20 employees, but the planners are going to have to really re-think - for example, there is no real parking in the town."

Meanwhile, Mr Barr believes the three and two bedroom apartments are very much 'lifestyle living'.

"The building had been really neglected for ten years. when we came in there was fungus growing on the walls.

"We've kept many of the original features at huge expense and have brought a building back into use."