A LANDMARK Newport building has been sold to a private developer that wants to turn the building into 18 apartments.

The grade II listed Shire Hall, in Pentonville in the city centre, which once served as the offices for Monmouthshire county council, has been sold for £415,000 to Jahan Abedi.

The proposed scheme could see the four-storey building converted into 11 one-bedroom apartments and seven two-bedroom flats with a reception area and a bicycle storage area.

There had previously been plans by SK Design Ltd to convert the hall into 20 flats that didn't come to fruition.

The former council offices were built in 1902 to the designs of architect William Tanner.

They then underwent substantial extension between 1913 and 1914, adding a top storey to the Shire Hall and adjoining Queen's Chamber.

In 1998 the hall gained grade II listing status.

The building had been restored and converted into office suites but has been vacant for many years.

The sale was handled by commercial property consultants, Lambert Smith Hampton on behalf of receivers BDO.

Dave Blyth of Lambert Smith Hampton said: "This is a key transaction for Newport as Shire Hall is a building with considerable historic importance to and where its architectural integrity is to be maintained during its refurbishment.

"Its central location close to the rail station coupled with all the amenities of the city centre on the door step should make this an extremely desirable place to live."