THE historic Liverpool waterfront is set to be transformed as ambitious plans to create a £33 million landmark residential scheme on Liverpool's waterfront have been unveiled.

City Loft Developments is bringing its award-winning, contemporary design to this prominent location, adjacent to the Liver Buildings in Princes Dock.

They work exclusively with Conran & Partners, Sir Terence Conran's architectural practice, and Princes Dock sees the debut of both companies in Liverpool.

The scheme will see two linked residential and mixed use towers, the tallest measuring 220 feet.

Their plans are set to transform the cityscape of the historic waterfront at the heart of Liverpool's business centre with planning consent gained for 162 apartments, plus almost 2,000 sq ft of commercial space, which could create a lively mix of shops, bars, restaurants and offices.

Work has already started on site for the scheme, which is due to launch next month and is scheduled for completion in 2006.

The arrival of City Loft Developments and Conran & Partners in Liverpool is a major boost for the city, which becomes Europe's Capital of Culture in 2008.

In Liverpool, the scheme will see a mixture of studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, with stunning views from the top floors. Strong demand is expected when they go on sale next month. Prices for a studio apartment will start from around £125,000.

Andre Mansoori-Dara, of City Loft Developments, said: "Liverpool is Britain's fastest-growing city and a series of ambitious commercial and cultural initiatives is bringing a dramatic rebirth to this historic city and famous port, which is once again becoming a focus of attention around the world.

"We've acquired a fantastic location next to a World Heritage Site and we're going to build the most sought after apartments in Liverpool. Princes Dock will set the standard for regeneration for Liverpool's waterfront and raise the benchmark for quality apartment design in the city to a new level."