More importantly, for buyers looking for room to swing a cat and storage, the 350-unit development, which released 70 units off plan this week, has larger-than-normal apartments.

Built by Rhatigan Commercial Developments, the 600m mixed development has over 92,900sq m (1,000,000sq ft) of floor area and has been carefully designed to provide a 24/7 living, working and leisure environment with every amenity on hand.

One of the most eye-catching features of the site will be the monumental 'Corner Sculpture', a sweeping curved glass facade that forms a reptile like skin over the corner of a building looking out to the one-acre Civic Square. Overlooking the gardens at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the development provided several design challenges which architects Anthony Reddy Associates have sensitively overcome.

Care has been taken to provide the most attractive facades towards the former hospital and the height and scale of the buildings are designed to complement the surrounding heritage buildings.

Situated opposite Heuston Station and overlooking the formal gardens beside the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the majority of these highspec units include full concierge service, two ensuites, dual aspects, luxury bathrooms and kitchens with stone worktops and integrated appliances, large balconies and communal roof terraces.

Comprised of one-, two- and three-bed units, one-beds start from 380,000, two-beds from 520,000 and three-beds from 560,000; most of the two-bed apartments exceed 850sq ft.

Buyers will also benefit from the eco-friendly approaches at the scheme. In order to achieve a true 'city within a city', Heuston Station Quarter is at the cutting edge of developments in terms of energy conservation and has a sustainable energy programme.

Featuring District Heating, the most common form of heating in Scandinavian countries, it offers the potential to greatly reduce carbon dioxide emmissions and offers occupiers cheaper and more efficient green energy.

The entire development is comprised of 40,000sq m (430,000sq ft) of commercial units and 8,000sq m (86,000sq ft) of retail/leisure space with an internationally renown hotel development. Eircom will have its new headquarters with 2,000 employees at the development.

Building work commenced last spring and completions at the development, which will comply with forthcoming EU Energy Rating directive, are expected from early 2008.

Price: one-beds from 380,000 Agent: Hooke & MacDonald, 01-631 8402