Plans have been revealed for the £25m redevelopment of Swan House, in the centre of Newcastle.

The Swan House roundabout, which has blighted one of the city gateways for years, will be redeveloped into apartments and renamed 55 North, to reflect the line of latitude.

Designed by a London architect during the T Dan Smith era in 1967, it was built for office use, and stands as a 1960s landmark in the heart of the Georgian city.

The 122,500sq ft scheme of residential and leisure facilities will house 165 flats, with prices from £86,000 up to £275,000 for penthouse apartments on the 11th floor.

Although the existing faade will remain, landscaped gardens, choreographed fountains and public areas will be created.

James Cook, of property developer Crown Dilmun, said: "Newcastle is a fantastic city and one which Crown Dilmun has wanted to be part of for some time. This development, although extremely ambitious, has provided an opportunity for us to create modern, realistically-priced and yet prestigious accommodation in the heart of the city centre."

Chesterton and Sanderson and Young have been appointed as joint selling agents.

Ed Seymour, head of Chesterton Residential Newcastle said: "The scheme has already generated an enormous amount of interest from both investors and owner-occupiers, which is sure to continue through to when the first apartments are released for sale in May.

"I am confident that phase one of the scheme will become Newcastle's fastest-selling development to date."

For further information about the apartments call 0191-255 0800