FLATS at the sight of a much-maligned Hereford eyesore have been sold before they have been built.

The properties are being incorporated into Alban House which was destroyed by a large fire in 2010.

The site has been surrounded by hoarding since but such is the interest in the prime location that estate agents have already sold a number of apartments "off-plan".

Promising luxury specifications including wooden floors, period features and high end fixtures and fittings, the development will eventually include two retail units, seven one bed apartments, seven two bed apartments and three penthouses, whilst the site's former wash house will be converted into a two bed cottage.

Julian Owens, from Arkwright Owens, revealed that three apartments have been sold off-plan and include a penthouse at £370,000 and two smaller apartments at £145,000 and £135,000.

Further plots are now being marketed by the estate agent, with two bed apartments on sale from £265,000.

Mr Owens says he is in no doubt that the remaining plots will be in high-demand, with estate agents seeing an increasing number of house-hunters seeking high-specification city-centre living.

And although not yet at liberty to divulge the name of the client, Mr Owens also hinted that exciting news might be on the way for Hereford, with negotiations for one retail unit already in full swing.