Contractor and developer William Davis has commenced work on a £2.2million scheme in Leicestershire in partnership with East Midlands Housing (EMH).

The scheme situated at Kirkby Road, Barwell will see a 19th century factory converted into new homes.

The main building of the factory, which historically manufactured shoes and boots for the army during World War I., will be converted into four, one-bedroom apartments. The remaining industrial units, including three air raid shelters, have been demolished to make way for 20 new build timber frame properties which will provide a mix of one, two and three-bedroom houses and apartments for both shared ownership and market rent.

The front façade will remain in keeping with others in the locale.

The scheme is due for completion in April 2009.

Nic Jepson, group business development manager, William Davis said: “This is the fourth project we have worked in partnership with EMH on in the last 12 months and we are delighted to maintain this excellent working relationship.

Our joint, successful track record of developing high quality, affordable homes which meet modern housing demands has recently achieved national recognition having been awarded ‘Best New Affordable Housing Scheme’ in the Housing Excellence Awards for Hill Court, Bushby, Leicestershire.”

Chan Kataria, group chief executive, EMH added: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with William Davis and Hinckley and Bosworth BC to deliver a mixed tenure scheme that helps to regenerate an existing site and contributes to the sustainability of the local area.”