Front row for shopping heaven

It could be the city centre address to leave all shopaholics green with envy.

These new flats are set to be in the shadow of Wolverhampton's new £300 million Summer Row shopping complex which will revolutionise the retail experience in the city.

Construction work on the St George's development in Snow Hill was today well under way and the show home is due to open soon. Some of the 24 two-bedroom flats on St George's Street, will boast rooftop gardens.

They will be just a stone's throw away from Summer Row, a shopping centre which will host Debenhams, a string of bars, restaurants and a 10-screen cinema.

Estate agent Bartlams revealed today potential buyers were already showing an interest as an artist's impression was released showing how the flats will look when complete.

This month the Government gave its final seal of approval to Summer Row, which could be open in two years.

Nick Brevitt, a senior director at Bartlams, said he expected the complex to play a "big part" in the success of the flats.

"I think it will be first rate in terms of city centre living," he said. "It's probably a league ahead of other central developments."

Work should be finished by the summer.

Wolverhampton City Coun-cil leader Councillor Roger Lawrence said that the new homes were part of an exciting future for the city. "The design, which includes roof gardens, adds something to the range of residential properties on offer in Wolverhampton," he added.

"The council is committed to bringing people back into the city centre in a balanced way, with homes for both purchase and rental."

The development is one of a number of city centre apartment blocks set to transform the feel of Wolverhampton.

These include a further 76 apartments which will be introduced just outside the ring road as part of the £179 million Interchange scheme, which will see brand new train and bus stations plus a casino, hotels and restaurant quarter.

And 90 apartments are planned as part of the Worcester Street Triangle project on Penn Road island.

Under plans by developer Fortmere, the historic facade of the former Scala cinema would remain and form the entrance to a 75-bed hotel.

A restaurant, bar and four retail units are also included in the proposals.