Developers are hoping to build a five-storey apartment block with 65 homes targeted at the middle and working class.

Atrium Gardens Development (AGD) plan to replace three one-bedroom apartments with 55 one-bedroom and ten studio "adult-oriented" apartments on Ewing Street in Hamilton.

According to Ashley Raynor of Design Group, the apartments are targeted at middle and working class individuals and are not intended for families or persons seeking luxury accommodation.

Plans include a courtyard in the middle of the complex and an all-purpose common area which may be rented out to tenants and used for social activities or parties. There will also be a secured entrance and reception area, meaning people will need authorisation to get into the complex.

Mr. Raynor said: "If it gets approved than we will get extremely excited. It is actually quite nice, the security, the privacy and the independence in the sense of the units."

Developers have submitted an application to Department of Planning and are waiting to find out whether they can begin construction.

In December 2007, the same application was denied because the penthouse floor was four feet over the maximum height, but necessary adjustments have been made and the developers are hoping things run smoothly.

A spokesman from AGD said they bought the land two years ago for $1.5 million and wanted to get the most out of the property.

He explained: "They are all basically one bedroom because I felt that if I lost a tenant someone would be willing to move in the next day without the turnover. We would have people waiting in line to occupy the apartments because there is always a demand.

"I can't breathe until [the building] is complete, because you know it is a sink or swim situation. If I mess up it will cost me a lot so I can't afford to fail. I want to put all my energy into pulling it off, and really focus my time and energy into it."