IT has stood as monument to the impact to the economic crash for seven years but now a half-built apartment block will be completed.

The development, in Royal Crescent Road opposite the main entrance to Ocean Village, was described as one of Southampton’s worst eyesores.

The 88 apartments would have been completed in 2009 but developer RC Southampton Limited went into administration.

Shojin Property Partners purchased the site nearly a year ago and have been working closely with Southampton City Council to improve the original design and increase the number of units to 101.

Building works began in April and is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2017.

Estate agents Savills has already began marketing the development - a mix of one and two bedroom apartments set over seven floors – and some are already available to buy “off plan”.

Most apartments will benefit from balconies and secure underground parking, and the development will have landscaped amenity areas.

Sandeep Puri of Shojin said: “We are providing affordable homes in one of Southampton’s premier locations and at the same time hoping to create an iconic building on what was an abandoned site.”

Alice Church, pictured, of Savills added: “Royal Crescent Apartments provide the best of city living close to Southampton’s waterfront, marina and Oxford Street. Located on the edge of Ocean Village, the apartments benefit from the major residential and commercial regeneration seen in this area, and indeed the city of Southampton.

“We have seen a great level of interest, with several reservations since the limited release launch earlier this month and enquiry levels remain high. We anticipate a lot of interest in the scheme, following the success of nearby Admirals Quay, where all 299 apartments have now sold, as well as the high levels of interest in neighbouring Alexandra Wharf, a scheme of 82 luxury apartments due for completion in September 2017.”

Prices start from £145,000. For more information, contact Savills on 02380 713967.