A former diamond factory is being converted into a sparkling complex of flats with a Thirties-style art deco theme.

Developer Michael Wrennall said he was astonished by the level of interest in the four-storey Deco Building, which overlooks Lewes Road, Brighton.

He said half of the 34 luxury loft-style apartments were already reserved by buyers, who had come from all over the world.

Mr Wrennall, director of the Brighton Deco Building Company, said: "There has been quite a bit of international interest, which was somewhat unexpected.

"We have had calls from London and as far afield as Hong Kong and Malaysia. It has gone much better than we anticipated."

He said a number of jet pilots and air crew from Gatwick were among those queuing up to move in.

The flats still available vary in price from £87,500 for a one-bedroom first-floor apartment to £164,950 for a ground-floor two-bedroom home.

Two show flats have been furnished in art deco style, complete with replica pre-war bathroom fittings and ornaments, which perfectly reflect the stylish atmosphere of the era.

The walls, some up to 3ft thick, are adorned with classic posters and pictures from the period.

It is all a far cry from a year ago when the Coombe Road factory was plagued by window-smashing yobs and graffiti vandals who made life a misery for people living nearby.

Mr Wrennall said neighbours were delighted the structure was being converted and had taken a great interest in the scheme.

The Deco Building was constructed in 1918 as a workplace for disabled soldiers returning from the First World War.

Amputees were employed in diamond-cutting until the Thirties, when it became the headquarters of a false teeth company.

But Dentsply closed in 1991 with the loss of 90 jobs after improvements in dental health resulted in orders falling away.

Workmen expect to complete the conversion within the next few months.

The sale is being handled by King and Chasemore.