Work is nearing completion on the redevelopment of a former department store.

The old Debenhams, in Western Road, Brighton, is being transformed into shops, a restaurant and 21 luxury apartments.

The £7.5 million project is due for completion later this year.

Workmen are currently restoring many of the original features in the historic building, part of which is Grade II listed.

A stained-glass dome in the roof is being repaired and decorative coving is being restored.

Construction company Phelan began to fit out part of the interior four weeks ago.

Site manager Peter Gritton said the work was going well.

He said: "We have got 12 weeks from start to finish and we have to get the work done."

The firm is currently working on a major part of the scheme, a three-storey fish restaurant.

The department store closed in 1998 and Debenhams relocated to the modernised Churchill Square.

The new owner of the building, Brighton-based Awan International, was granted permission to convert the site.

The building was designed in 1823 by Regency architects Wilds and Busby and was a private house, known as Gothic House, and later The Priory.

It became a shop in 1898 and extensions were later added.

Awan pledged to restore the building to its original splendour.

The development has been welcomed by John Small, secretary of the Regency Society, who described the scheme as a success.

He said when Debenhams owned the site it was acknowledged the firm had not invested greatly in the medley of buildings which made up the store.

But this was an advantage for the current development, as many original details had been preserved.

He said he was impressed by the plans to put the once rambling store to different uses, while taking into account its architectural differences.

He said: "There are various architectural periods dating from when it was first built, including Twenties bits. They appear to be tackling the restoration with care.

"It is very important that buildings by architects such as Wilds should be kept in use.

"I am very hopeful it will be a great success."