WORK is underway to convert a town centre office block into a huge seven storey block of flats - in a £7.7million project.

Basildon Council is behind the development of Acorn House, in Great Oaks, after the authority purchased the building, with Davis Construction drafted in to carry out the work.

The prominent building sits next door to Basildon police station and formerly housed the Yellow Advertiser, a Government tribunal court, NHS staff as well as Amazon offices.

It will now become a mix of one and two bedroom flats.

Hoardings are already in place around the site, and the construction firm aims to start internal demolition before Christmas.

The project will see the demolition of the roof and and extension to create seven floors in total.

A spokesman for Davis Construction said: “When the conversion is complete, the town will benefit from the addition of modern accommodations within a visually stand out from the crowd building, featuring the original red brickwork with statement dark grey cladding.

“Situated near to the Town Centre and C2C rail links into London, Acorn House is in a very central prime position. Formerly housing the authentic Yellow Advertiser in it’s time as a commercial office building, this conversion will be a predominant development enhancing the community with its social value.”

Last September the council announced plans to buy the site in a bid to block families who need homes being sent from London boroughs.

The work is being undertaken under permitted development laws - meaning planning approval was not needed.

Labour leader of Basildon Council Gavin Callaghan welcomed the opportunity to provide much needed housing.

He said: “We have an acute shortage of one and two-bedroom apartments for people in housing need in our borough. The opportunity to acquire Acorn House was one not to be missed if we are to quickly increase the supply of these properties and make them available to our people in need.”