The view from an upper apartment balcony takes in the new Museum of Liverpool, Albert Dock, Mersey and new canal link Photograph by Ant Clausen

Picture gallery: Mann Island

Place was lucky enough to be given a tour around the Mann Island apartments currently being built in the World Heritage waterfront site by BAM for Neptune and Countryside.

The views are predictably staggering given the setting alongside neighbours the Port of Liverpool, Cunard and Royal Liver Buildings, the elegant new Museum of Liverpool and grand old Albert Dock. Inland are glimpses of Chavasse Park and One Park West - looking decidedly plain and municipal by comparison to Mann Island's angular black 'rocks'.

The Broadway Malyan design was governed by strict rules from English Heritage and planners owing to the World Heritage status; numerous sightlines had to be protected, leading to the sloping walls and low height.

Residents begin moving into the flats next spring - more than 320 out of 376 had sold when Place visited in August - and will have a view arguably no home owner in the city has enjoyed before.

Particular highlights of the visit were seeing the extension of the Leeds-Liverpool canal that runs between the museum and apartments, and the new public amphitheatre sloping down to the canal. The double-height commercial space below the residential will be a welcome new circuit set for restaurants, shops and, the first tenant to sign up, the Open Eye photographic gallery. There will also be a long covered public space between the two granite blocks, offering a sheltered option for wind- and rain-battered tourists and day trippers down by the river.

Images courtesy of Ant Clausen. Click on the galleries below to enlarge