THE fire-damaged buildings in Hereford High Town have been sold to a property developer.

The buildings have been an eyesore in the city centre since 2010 when a fire broke out.

Contracts have now been exchanged with Birmingham-based property developer Elevate Property Group.

The building has outline planning consent and work on its restoration could start as early as this summer.

Councillor David Harlow, cabinet member economy and corporate services, said: “The sale of 16-18 High Town is great news, not only for the council but for the city as a whole.

“It has been a long and arduous journey to get to this point, with our planning officers playing the lead role in getting to this point, by meeting with the agents, architects and prospective developers.

“As a consequence we have a solution which will benefit the city, with a mix of retail, restaurant and residential units planned for the site.”

Planning permission was given to the previous owners, Omaha Guernsey LP, last July to rebuild the shops and also build 12 residential units above the shops, seven apartments facing East Street and to refurbish a redundant building to form one home.

Cllr Harlow added: "We have now completed phase 1 of High Town’s refurbishment and further works are planned for this year.

"The refurbishment of the city centre public realm and the restoration of the building will mean we are another step closer to creating a modern, thriving shopping destination that we can all be proud of."