PART of a landmark building at the heart of Malvern's past and present, is on offer to buyers from next week.

Two apartments within the upper floors of the town centre Barclays Bank building, on the corner of Worcester Road and Edith Walk, go on the market next Friday.

The building, with its distinctive terrace and bow windows, has been the hub of town centre life since its construction, between 1818 and 1821, by London architect John Deykes.

Home for a century to the town library and assembly rooms, it held many musical gatherings, and provided a resting place for visiting dignitaries.

The upper two floors were purchased 18 months ago at auction, by Malvern couple Dr Stephen Wright and Liz Ingles, who were fascinated by their rich history.

Dr Wright, a historian, had planned to make it his home, but spiralling renovation costs changed the couple's plans.

Keen to keep the building at the heart of the Malvern community, the pair employed entirely local businesses to renovate it to the highest standard.

"When we saw it at auction, we both thought wow'" said Ms Ingles.

"We're not developers at all, this is our first time at doing something like this.

"We wanted to use local businesses, and they have all been absolutely brilliant, we don't regret that decision at all - it looks beautiful and everything was done on time."

The main building work was done by G W Jenkins and Sons of Malvern, while Malvern's Robson Ward kitchens, Peter Bonomini Flooring, 21st Century Fires, S J Prosser and Sons painters and Sarah Jane Interiors were all instrumental in the project.

The penthouse apartment is expected to fetch around £275,000, the first floor apartment is priced at £265,000.

Both are marketed through Allan Morris and Ashton estate agents, on Church Street.