AN EMPTY council building will form the backdrop to a major new BBC TV series.

Adur Civic Centre in Shoreham has been transformed into the sets and production offices for new BBC One drama series Cuffs, which focuses on Sussex Police.

The majority of interiors are being filmed in empty offices on the upper floors of the civic centre, while filming will also take place in a number of locations around Shoreham and Brighton this summer.

The show, from London-based production company Tiger Aspect - also responsible for hit crime drama Peaky Blinders - is set to air in the autumn.

Proposals for the long-term redevelopment of the site in Ham Road are moving forward with three preferred developers selected from a shortlist of more than 30 to transform the offices into a mixed development including housing, shops, commercial and leisure facilities and potentially a small hotel.

It is hoped that detailed proposals will be worked up in time for public consultation by Christmas.

Council staff relocated from the civic centre are having space for them made in the Shoreham Centre in Pond Road with a £2.5m extension.

The extension will create more office space for staff as well as a public reception, information area, meeting rooms, Citizens Advice Bureau and offices for charities 4Sight and Adur Talking News.

Talking about the impact of Cuffs, series Producer Trevor Hopkins, said: “The production team is delighted to be working in Shoreham.

“The town will be put firmly on the map during production and especially during the period immediately prior to and during transmission later this year when much of the publicity will focus on promoting the town and the great experience the cast and crew have experienced whilst working there.”