A further piece in the New Brighton regeneration project will be slotted in next month when work starts on a prestigious apartment block next to showpiece Floral Pavilion.

The controversial plan was put on hold while developers Neptune concentrated on completion of the hugely-successful Marine Point seafront venture.

A late February start is expected on the flats following last minute design and contract negotiations.

The scheme will take 12 months to complete.

Planning approval for the 24 apartments with sea views was given in April 2012.

An original scheme that included restaurants, bars and cafes on the ground floor was scrapped.

The application triggered strong opposition with local residents complaining the scheme would considerably increase traffic and noise pollution.