AN eyesore building leading into the town centre which has remained empty for over ten years will finally receive some much-needed TLC thanks to a £1m investment.

The former Gusto building on Sheffield Road has been derelict for over a decade following the former restaurant’s closure – and has remained an eyesore ever since.

However, Doncaster-based firm R Betts has bought the building and hopes to create 12 luxury apartments, as well as two retail apartments on the ground floor – whilst adding an extra storey where the roof currently sits.

Scott Drabble, director of the firm, told the Chronicle that there had some unwanted visitors in the building when they first purchased it last September – but they’re now on track to be open in March.

He added: “We had squatters initially and they kept returning.

“We found asbestos, rats, structural issues – it took us a few months to get over that but we’re well on our way now.”

Scott and his business partner Richard Betts are hoping to finally turnaround the building whilst also supporting local people and local businesses.

“It was a rundown building,” he added.

“We’re long-term investors and we found this building and we wanted to make a change.

“There were a few issues funding-wise at the start and unfortunately the council weren’t able to support us.

“We want to make this a much better building.

“We’re hoping the luxury apartments will be open in February or March and the shops are the same time depending on who we get tenancy-wise.

“It’ll be a brand spanking new building.”