A RUNDOWN tower block will be transformed into “very desirable” flats, according to a top Huddersfield politician.

Councillors last night backed the £3.7m revamp of Richmond Flats at Southgate.

Kirklees Council’s Labour Cabinet yesterday supported the regeneration of the 11-storey 1960s tower block, which will cost £87,500 per flat.

“It may look like a large number, but knocking down these flats would cost £1m because they’re full of asbestos,” said the council’s investment chief Clr Peter McBride.

“These units are needed and they’re in the centre of town.

“We will be upgrading the flats to the point that they will be way above the Decent Homes standard. They will be very desirable.”

The work, which will start on the 43 flats in the autumn, will include:

Creating a separate bedroom in the 21 bedsits by moving the kitchen into the living room area.

Extending balconies.

Providing external thermal render.

Improving the car park.

Fitting solar panels to the balcony roofs.

Fire safety improvements.

Installing triple-glazed windows.

Clr McBride said the work will improve the appearance of the flats, which stand on the corner of Leeds Road and the ring road.