A BREIGHMET pub has been given a £400,000 revamp to turn it into affordable homes.

The Hare and Hounds in Bury Road, which dates back to the early 1700s, closed its doors six years ago, and stood empty for several years.

Developers have now transformed the building into 14 one-bedroom apartments for Bolton at Home’s social housing tenants.

The building, which has been renamed Jayden House, is home to 14 people thanks to a boost from the Greater Manchester Empty to Plenty scheme and investment by owner Prag Luhar, director at Linx Construction Consultants Ltd.

John Dunn, Bolton at Home’s assistant director for tenancy services, said: “Lease management is a growing way that we’re increasing the number of affordable homes available in Bolton and it complements new-build developments.

“It provides a win-win situation where property owners, landlords and developers meet the significant cost of refurbishing these properties, with grant support, but get guaranteed income from the property as a result.

"Meanwhile, we’re able to bring empty properties back into use to benefit the community.”

Mr Luhar said: “The conversion and refurbishment of the Hare and Hounds pub has brought a once derelict building back to life.

"It was a challenge from start to finish but working closely with Bolton at Home and Bolton Council we managed to complete the refurbishment in March to deliver a development of affordable rental properties for the local community.”

John Hales, aged 62, a grandfather of eight, was one of the first tenants to move in at Jayden House.

He said: “It’s smashing for me as I’m on my own and it’s affordable. I occasionally came here when it was a pub. I didn’t have a place of my own before this and wondered where I was going to go.”

Cllr Kate Lewis, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for housing, said the work has provided a “much needed lifeline” for residents.

When the pub closed residents campaigned to save the building saying it was part of Breightmet’s heritage.

The lease management service is jointly administered by Bolton Council and Bolton at Home.

For information about lease management, all 01204 338721 or email leasemanagement@bolton.gov.uk