Artist impressions of the residential block that is expected to replace the old Queen of the East merchant house in Hamilton have been put online.

The images appear on a new website called Residences at Queen of the East that also provides detailed information about the development as well as the price of three of the 12 planned apartments.

The content is believed to be legitimate, although this newspaper could not reach the developers for more information through contact details on the website.

In 2014, Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs, gave developers CTX Ltd permission to demolish the property, which was built in the 1740s, and replace it with a residential block.

Senator Fahy said that developing the Queen of the East site was the only sensible way forward given its derelict state.

The move prompted opposition from the National Trust, who maintained that the old structure could and should be saved.

But the launch of the new website together with further details and images would seem to suggest the next stage of the project is imminent.

The website states: “The Residences at Queen of the East are designed to meet the demands of those wanting to enjoy city living at a waterside location.

“With a total of just 12 residences, purchasers will benefit from the limited number of units, additional amenities and easy access to the City of Hamilton.”

The site provides extensive details of the development as well as three specific residences priced between $795,000 and $930,000. The development will also include a private gym, a “dockside Zen garden”, ground-level parking, walk-on boat moorings and other amenities, according to the site. It states: “All residences will be finished to a very high standard, with each having hardwood flooring, ceramic and porcelain tiles and contemporary lighting.

“Double-panel insulated doors and windows will provide maximum noise reduction, while the large glass doors at the water’s edge will offer breathtaking views of the Hamilton Harbour.

“The exterior of the residences will be designed with Bermudian architecture in mind. Set back from East Broadway, the driveway of the residences will be finished with cobblestone.

“The secure ground-level parking will allow indoor access to the main lobby that will be tastefully finished. The state-of-the-art electronic security will ensure that access is limited to residents and invited guests only.

Residents will be able to discreetly view visitors at the main front door, and selectively provide access.

“The maximum number of units per floor is three, so residents can be assured of their security and privacy.”

In its day, the Queen of the East was a large merchant house and a major feature of the 18th century port of Hamilton.

Over the decades the property has served as a bakery, a laundry and even a brothel. Bayfield Clark, a well-known architect, rented and restored the house in the 1940s and during his tenure the property was a Bermudian showplace.

However, the property was stripped of its listed building status in 2002 after falling into disrepair and efforts to save the property in recent years have failed.

The development proposals for the Queen of the East property were initially rejected by the Development Applications Board.

But CTX Ltd appealed the decision and Mr Fahy went along with an independent inspector’s recommendation that the project to bulldoze the old property and build a six-storey block should be given the go-ahead.