Opening of the first building on the £85 million canal-front development at Gloucester Quays was given extra fanfare by dignitaries from the city.

Senior figures from developers Crest Nicholson were joined by The Right Worshipful Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Colin Organ and fellow councillors to officially mark the opening of The Waterfront.

Work to finish the rest of the 362 one and two bedroom apartments along with 49 two and three bedroom houses - the first residential phase of the scheme - is well underway, with residents moving in over Christmas.

Cllr Organ said: "This is an impressive development and something the wider community can be proud of.

"It will provide much needed new homes in a central Gloucester location, for first-time buyers looking to get onto the property ladder, as well as local downsizers.

"It is a pleasure to see Crest Nicholson developing an already vibrant and integrated community, evolving a place that people will be proud to call home for years to come."

Sandra Dixon, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson South West, said: "We are proud to continue to play a part in the ongoing redevelopment of the wider Gloucester Quays area and delivering much needed housing for a range of buyers."

According to the FTSE250 Group firm The Waterfront "has been designed to pay tribute to the industrial heritage of the site, taking inspiration from the red brick warehouses lining the water's edge".

"The contemporary homes and apartments feature a luxurious interior style and the apartments benefit from private parking and secure cycle storage - highly sought-after amenities for residents in a busy central location," is how the company describe the properties.

Prices currently start from £185,000 for a one-bedroom apartment with the Government backed Help to Buy: Equity Loan available on selected plots.