WORK is to start on transforming the former Sainsbury's site into a £20 million residential development in February.

The first of three accommodation blocks in Fairfax Road, Prestwich, is expected to be finished by May, 2005, with the entire development completed by August of next year.

The development by Countryside Properties received planning permission last June and since then the company has been concentrating their efforts on building a show apartment designed by Ben de Lisi.

Within days of launching Block A, which comprises 32 apartments, a total of 14 homes were reserved by potential customers, all local people. All 14 are one bedroom apartments, priced at £119,950.

Jennifer Trotter, of Countryside Properties, said: "Even we have been surprised how positive local people have been."

Prices for the apartments start at £99,950 for a studio, then £119,950 for a one bedroom, £164,950 for two bedrooms and a penthouse will cost £234,950.

The first item on the building agenda will be the underground car park, and a further ten storeys will follow.

The company are marketing the ground floor retail units, but have yet to secure a sale.