A £20million housing development will 'breathe new life' into a historic hospital site which was the place of birth for thousands of people.

Pure Residential and Commercial has broken ground at its 83-home Livingstone Place development on the site of the former HM Stanley Hospital in St Asaph.

Goronwy Owen, land procurement and development manager at Pure Residential and Commercial, said: "This development is in a nice location on the boundry of St Asaph.We are breathing new life into the site.

"There will be between 200 and 300 jobs created over three years and they will be local tradesmen.

"That will be a real boost for the local economy.

"The whole site is expected to be completed by the end of 2017."

The former workhouse dates back to 1838 and became a hospital in 1948 closing in April 2012.

The exterior of the Grade II listed building has been retained and the interior is being transformed into 28, one, two and three bedroom apartments at a cost of £3.5million.

A total of 43 homes will be built on the 10-acre site which includes a 75-bed assisted living scheme for over 55s.

Dawn Davies, editor and co-author of a book on the history of HM Stanley Hospital, said: “There is no denying that HM Stanley hospital has served the local population very well over the years.

"Many people relate to HM Stanley hospital – even if just to say 'I was born there'.

"There is no doubt that the health professionals who worked at HM Stanley pioneered many technological advances over the years and provided quality healthcare to the community, and of course many of these health professionals continue to provide this care in alternative locations in the area.

"My hope for the future is that the legacy of HM Stanley will live on, and when people pass the new development either on foot, or by road, they say, 'remember when HM Stanley Hospital was there."

As part of the development Pure has given St Kentigern Hospice, which is located next to the site, land for 25 parking spaces.

Last week saw the opening of Pure's sales and information suite on Upper Denbigh Road.

St Asaph mayor Peter Scott, said: "This development means housing for St Asaph. It is a good development and it is very much welcomed in the town."

A History of HM Stanley Hospital – A site record from 1838-2012 is available electronically on the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board website at www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/861/page/48337