A derelict former nursing home blighted by vandalism and squatters is being transformed into luxury seaside apartments.

Formerly St Benedict’s residential home, the building in Herne Bay fell into disrepair and misuse after closing in 2014.

For years that followed, the 25-bedroom facility became a magnet for antisocial behaviour, which left neighbours feeling “terrorised”.

Windows of the seafront building were smash and boarded up and the property lay empty and blighted St George’s Terrace while plans to bulldoze the site stalled.

In 2018 the site suffered a fire, with four engine attending to tackle the blaze and a year later neighbours telling KentOnline: "Every couple of months someone is breaking in there.

"We are now beginning to get terrorised by these kids. We feel vulnerable.”

Plans to transform the building from an eye-sore to a flash block of flats were approved by the council in September, 2021 and they are finally materialising.

The building is now being given a new lease of life as a four-storey block of luxury flats on the seafront, with apartments on sale for up to £600,000.

‘The Tides’ one, two and three bedrooms are being sold as perfect “holiday homes” or “investments”, with real estate company, Miles & Barr boasting of sea views for every apartment.

Glossy promo pics of the new development show a red brick building partially painted white, with black pitch roofs and glass balconies.

Most flats in the scheme boast a private patio courtyard, a balcony or terrace, but only four come with a parking space included.

Prices of the residences range from £300,000 for a one bedroom, to £600,000 for the most expensive three-bedroom.