PLANS to transform a run-down pub in Astley Bridge into a Mediterranean restaurant, bar and apartments could be completed within a year.

Work is set to start again at the site of the former Three Pigeons Pub in the coming weeks after a number of delays.

Developer Nick Howcroft bought the closed-down site back in 2011 and has previously secured planning permission to turn it into a bar and restaurant at the front, with seven apartments being created at the rear of the site.

He is now proposing to add an orangery at the front of the Georgian building where diners and drinkers can sit.

Astley Bridge residents, including local councillor Hilary Fairclough, have been frustrated by the slow progress of the project since work began in 2012.

Now Mr Howcroft, who owns two other venues — Henighans Little Lever and Henighans Bury Road in Ainsworth — is ready for work to start again on the Henighans Astley Bridge project.

He said: “We have done quite a bit of work on it but have been delayed because of other projects that we had to get sorted and I appreciate that the building looks terrible at the moment.

“I know that people aren’t happy because it is in such an important location on the island of Astley Bridge.

“But this is my priority now and work is set to start again in about four weeks, we are hoping to open within the year.”

“This building and the area it is in deserves a great venue and that is what we will be creating — with a Mediterranean restaurant on the first floor and a bar on the ground floor.

“We will also continue work on the seven apartments, which will be great places to live.”

“I recently came up with the idea of building a Georgian orangery at the front, it will be fantastic to sit in it on a sunny day.”

Cllr Fairclough said she will be delighted when the plans eventually come together.

She said: “I am very pleased with what I have seen today — but I was also very pleased two years ago, so I really want to see work start again soon.

“There is no doubt that the building is an eyesore at the moment and that is not right in such a busy area that should be reflective of Astley Bridge.

“People have waited a long time and so I am glad to hear Nick say that work will start in four weeks and be completed within the year — I can’t wait.”