Demolition work has started on a 1960s almshouse building in Monmouth.

Construction company Lovell last week started to take down the William Jones Almshouses, which are being replaced by 24 one-bedroom flats and 10 mews houses.

The flats are being developed to provide 'independent living for older people in need' by Bristol Charities, a specialist in providing almshouse accomodation which became trustee of the 400-year-old William Jones's Almshouse Charity last year.

The new gated development of almshouse flats and houses will be known as Cwrt William Jones.

The scheme will be built to a similar specification as Bristol Charities' successful almshouse development in Brentry, Bristol, which was completed in 2009 and is still receiving positive feedback from both residents and visitors.

The nine two-bedroom homes and one three-bedroom house will be for sale on the open market, and are due for completion later this year. The flats are expected to be opened in January 2013.

Bristol Charities' chief executive David W Jones said: "It is satisfying that the 19 units within former 1960s accommodation, which fell short of modern needs and aspirations, will be demolished to make way for 24 one-bedroom flats, specially designed to meet the requirements of older people.

"As with other projects with which we are involved, it is also pleasing that the objectives laid down by merchant William Jones, almost 400 years ago, will continue to provide for local people."

Lovell regional director Nick Kurobasa said: "It is very exciting to see demolition beginning, preparing the way for our team to start building modern state-of-the-art almshouse accommodation for older residents as well as high-quality new homes for sale.

"We are delighted to be working with Bristol Charities to launch this latest chapter in the long history of the William Jones's Almshouse charity in Monmouth."