THE first stage of a major regeneration project is about to begin in Salisbury.

The old St Paul’s school building, on the Fisherton Street side of St Paul’s roundabout is to be converted into a block of fourteen new flats with underground parking.

But the front of the school building will be kept as it is to preserve the well known landmark.

A further three shops and an old funeral director’s alongside the school building will also be demolished with a new coffee shop, community centre and an office to replace them.

The project won the support of city councillors as being a way of tidying up an important gateway to the city.

The coffee shop and community centre should be open to the public by September next year.

And the project will also provide the nearby St Paul’s church with new facilities.