There has been keen interest in apartments above the new shops and restaurants in Quakers Friars despite the recession.

More than 80 per cent of one block in the first phase of Cabot Circus Living, the main residential part of the development, has already been sold even though the apartments are still being fitted out.

A one-bedroom show apartment, fitted out in a chic modern style, opens to the public on Saturday April 18.

It is among the 119 flats around Quakers Friars being completed by MCD Developments Ltd.

The first apartments will be ready to move into this summer.

The development is called Horizon and comprises five buildings set around a landscaped roof garden.

Nearly all the flats have balconies or terraces with views over Castle Park, the Floating Harbour or Quakers Friars.

They are being finished to a high standard with top of the range fitted appliances including 50-50 fridge freezers, Smeg ovens and dishwashers.

One-bedroom apartments start at £189,500, £219,500 for a two-bed and £245,500 for the penthouse apartments.

The apartments are a variety of shapes and sizes. The one-bedroom flats are 485 sq ft with 14ft x 9.11ft bedrooms and the kitchen and lounge areas 11ft x 18.2ft.

The kitchen and lounge area in some of the two-bed flats is 11ft x 14.10ft and 11.6ft x 16.1ft in others with bedrooms ranging in size from 8.10ft x 10.2ft to 13.4ft x 9.1ft.

Fifteen couples who had previously expressed interest have already had a sneak preview of the show flat.

Marketing director Alex Byrne said: "We had a very positive preview weekend. Interest is definitely picking up among buyers.

"People are more reserved than they used to be. They are asking more questions."

The development has a third storey car park and residents will be able to lease spaces.

Horizon flats are four storeys above street level and the range of apartments includes studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses.

MCD chief executive Steven Byrne said: "This is city living at its best and the new show home demonstrates how privacy and seclusion are perfectly combined with the vibrancy of Cabot Circus to create a stylish and atmospheric place to live.

"This is a great opportunity for potential buyers to experience first hand what we believe sets this development apart - a central location with designer shops and cafes on the doorstep as well as great city views."

Eclipse, the 15-storey tower rising above the Harvey Nichols store, will be handed over for fitting-out later this spring and is due for completion towards the end of next year.

The show apartment on Broad Weir will be open Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm from April 18.

For more information, visit www.cabotcircusliving.com or call 0117 9297814.