Pictured above: Birmingham Properties Group managing director John Tebbutt is joined by Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson at the official launch of The Heights in Bedford

The Heights - the much-anticipated £10 million major redevelopment of Bedford's former BT tower - has been officially launched (Friday March 18th).

The stylish 13-storey development of 109 high quality apartments and penthouses was unveiled by Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson at a launch ceremony.

Developers Birmingham Properties Group invited the mayor to perform the launch to illustrate the strong partnership the company forged with Bedford Borough Council during the 12-month refurbishment project. The company also today made a £100 donation to the mayor's official charity.

Would-be buyers will get their first chance to see the apartments in the town's landmark building at an open weekend being staged on Saturday, March 26th and Sunday 27th.

The one and two-bedroom apartments boast stunning views of the town centre, the river and embankment, and miles of surrounding countryside including the Cardington hangars.

Located on St John's Street, just a short walk from Bedford train station, The Heights is ideally placed for London commuters. A regular train service to London Kings Cross takes just 35 minutes. There are also excellent road links to the A1 and M1 via the new A421 bypass.

One bedroom apartments complete with high quality contemporary kitchens and bathrooms start at just £103,950. Two-bedroom apartments start at £130,000. Some of the 109 apartments have already been sold off-plan, including three of the four spacious penthouses. The apartments will appeal to first time buyers, retired couples/singles, investors and professionals. The development includes secure parking, a well equipped gym/work-out room and a bright and stylish reception area.

Mr Hodgson said: "The launch of The Heights apartments is great news for this part of Bedford. The old BT building stood empty and lifeless for far too long, and I am delighted that the development work is now completed. The building is a prominent feature of our town, and after so many years of uncertainty and inactivity, it will be fantastic to see the apartments filled.  I am sure that the residents will enjoy their new apartments in this great location, including those who will have fantastic views across Bedford and beyond!"

He added: "The opening of The Heights is a further positive development for our town centre, as plans continue for regeneration of the High Street and exciting new projects for the riverside and the site of the current bus station. The Heights apartments are a major contribution to the ongoing process of helping to make Bedford a great place to live, work and do business."

Birmingham Properties Group managing director John Tebbutt said: "We are delighted that The Heights at Bedford has been officially unveiled just over a year since we took control of the project. This is a spectacular building with stunning views across the town and over miles of open countryside. We have been able to deliver a range of high quality apartments in a landmark location which will appeal to a wide range of buyers including investors, young couples and London commuters."

He added: "This has been a significant regeneration project for the town of Bedford. What was once an unloved 1970s eyesore that fell into a state of dilapidation is now a striking contemporary landmark. Bedford has a highly skilled workforce and many young professionals choose to live in the town in order to commute to Milton Keynes or London. It offers a very good quality of life and we are confident that a wide range of buyers will be keen to grasp the opportunity to live in such a well located development."