THIS is the latest shape of an exclusive block of apartments in the heart of Old Town.

Blacksmith's Forge is a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-storey town houses with two or three bedrooms.

More than half of the 58 units have been sold, with 34 homes already occupied.

The development also includes eight retail units, two of which have been rented, to a florist and a bookshop.

Construction began in February 2002 and the complex should be finished by the summer.

The Bloor Homes development is one of a number of new housing complexes bringing about regeneration in the area.

The old Fads store in Devizes Road is being turned into flats, while in the High Street there is the Pinnacle development of 32 apartments.

Britannia Place, on part of the car park in Devizes Road, will provide 64 more flats as well as shops and offices.

There is also the possibility of the former Locarno ballroom and the Town Hall being developed into an Italian-style courtyard of homes and restaurants.

Developers Bloor Homes designed the building's exterior to reflect the architectural style of Old Town.

But the interiors are a stark contrast to the outside and are fitted throughout with modern conveniences.

These include a telephone viewer link, which enables residents to screen visitors, fitted kitchens, energy efficient lighting and bathrooms fitted with modern suites of china and chrome accessories.

Karen Turner, sales negotiator for Bloor Homes, said: "We tried to keep the apartments in line with the other period buildings surrounding them. Old Town is liked because it shows how Swindon used to be and we wanted to fit in with that.

"People like young professionals are buying them to live in themselves and other people are buying them as second homes.

"We also have investors who are buying to let.

Prices range from £110,000 for a one-bedroom first floor flat to £220,000 for a two- or three-bedroom town house.