Work has finally begun after a wait of almost two decades to breathe new life into Bradford city centre's worst eyesore.

The once grand interior of historic Eastbrook Hall in Little Germany is being converted into apartments, offices and shops at a cost of £8.5 million.

And the building's ornate facade in Leeds Road and Chapel Street is to be restored to its former glory.

Today, a trust set up by the Prince of Wales, which spearheaded the project by forming a steering group, described the long-awaited start of work as a major step forward for the regeneration of the city.

Kim Martin, project consultant for the Prince of Wales Phoenix Trust - which works to find new uses for spectacular historic buildings which are at risk, said: "It is terrific that work has finally started on site.

"It is now going to have a wonderful impact on the whole area. It has been a major job to save the facades and we were only just in time.

"This is a very special part of Bradford and I think it will be absolutely wonderful. It is a very important building."

"I am absolutely delighted the work has started and the apartments are going to be unique."

Trevor Lewis, deputy chairman of Bradford Centre Regeneration, the company leading the renaissance of the city, said: "This is a building close to a lot of people's hearts.

"Eastbrook Hall is an important part of Bradford's history and with its renovation is set to become a key part of the city's future.

"The plans will help return the building which stands on a key gateway to the city to its former glory."

And Katie Bishop, development officer of the Yorkshire and Humber Civic Societies, described the renovation as the start of a new era for Bradford.

"It has been a triumph for civic pride in Bradford city centre," she said.

"It heralds a revival of interest in architectural heritage."

Eastbrook Hall was opened in 1904 as the Methodist "Cathedral" of the North and acclaimed as the most handsome building in Bradford.

But in 1986 its doors were closed because of the cost of repairs. The building has remained a ruined eyesore since it was ravaged by a huge blaze in 1996 but two years ago a consortium of seven expert organisations was set up to see now it could be saved.

A planning application was approved by councillors last year who were told it was a last chance for the old building because it would not stand up for much longer.

Eastbrook Hall will house 68 apartments, which will range in price from £80,000 to £150,000, as well as offices and shops.