A FORMER mountain bike shop and appliance showroom in Keswick has been transformed by Cumberland Council into four modern apartments, all of which have already been rented out.

The traditional slate building, on Otley Road, underwent a complete conversion, with new wiring and plumbing.

The one-bedroom apartments feature solar panels on the roof, convenient parking and cycle racks, as well as newly fitted kitchens and bathrooms.

To find tenants for the homes, the council enlisted the help of volunteers from Keswick Community Housing Trust.

The non-profit organisation was established in 2010 to address the shortage of properties and high prices in the Lake District National Park.

In addition to finding tenants, the trust will also manage the properties on behalf of the Council, handling leasing and maintenance matters.

William King Construction, based in Cleator Moor, was the primary contractor responsible for completing the project.

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Cumberland Council's executive member for housing, Emma Williamson, said: "We know there are serious housing supply issues in towns like Keswick, so the fact that we've been able to bring four more homes to the market is great news."

Williamson cited a previous initiative where a former toilet block was converted into four apartments, called Banks Court, as another successful collaboration with Keswick Community Housing Trust.

Bill Bewley, chair of Keswick Community Housing Trust, said: "KCHT was very pleased to enter the collaborative process that has resulted in us leasing the building, and we look forward to working with the Council for many years.

"We are very happy we have been able to jointly provide accommodation for four deserving Keswick residents."

The news follows on the back of the Lake District National Park Planning Authority approving plans for a former garden centre to be converted into 12 homes, near Keswick. 

The planning approval comes with conditions to ensure the development of the homes will help address the 'lack' of local housing available in the area. 

Six of the units must be occupied by a 'person with a local connection', such as someone who has worked in the area for longer than nine months.