A mix of Liffeyside apartments and live/work units - in which one or more rooms are designed for use as offices - go on sale from plans today, priced from €400,000

Live/work units overlooking the Liffey at Sir John Rogerson's Quay will appeal to those weary of battling through rush hour traffic to the office. Butlers Pier is selling from plans through the Keane Mahony Smith agency.

Those interested can attend the launch in the Herbert Suite of the Berkeley Court Hotel this Saturday, where plans will be on display and deposits can be placed. The development is named after Butlers, the chocolate company which formerly operated on the site. Construction starts on January 1s, 2004 and completion of the 32-unit block is expected in summer 2005.

Live/work is a relatively new concept in Dublin city centre, although it has proved a resounding success across the water in London. Live/work units are designed with a dedicated work space in addition to living accommodation.

The live/work units will occupy the lower half of the building, with regular two and three-bedroom residential apartments from the fourth floor upwards. Prices start at €400,000 for live/work units of 53 to 98 sq m (614 to 1,055 sq ft).

Residential-only apartments on the upper floors cost from €425,000 for two-bed units of up to 76 sq m (1,141 sq ft) are from €540,000. Parking spaces are available for €40,000. One magnificent four-bedroom penthouse encompassing the entire top floor costs €1.5 million.

This project is a joint venture between Granelt and Finance Life. Granelt's principal, Bernard Duffy, was previously involved in Portview House, an office/residential scheme near the East Link toll bridge.

Architect Anthony Reddy has designed the eight-storey block with natural stone cladding and powder-coated aluminium windows. An abundance of glass will create a contemporary look and allow maximum light to the interiors. Most units will have splendid water views from glass-sided balconies.

Buyers can opt to have one or more rooms fitted out for office use, with concealed lighting and suspended ceilings. An open-plan living/office arrangement is another alternative - architects may prefer the good natural light this layout would provide.

Standard features will include good quality fitted kitchens and wall tiling. The exact form of each apartment / work unit is flexible at this early stage, so buyers can arrange their layout to suit.

Investors will be attracted by the strong rental potential of a quayside location a few minute's stroll from O'Connell Bridge. The rarity of this scheme should attract a good deal of notice.

Most city centre office space is larger and more expensive - Butlers Pier is aimed at design companies, solicitors, architects, medical practices or anyone operating a small professional company. For out-of-town business people who come to the city a few days a week, they are an ideal work/overnight base.

The entire riverside area on both banks is expected to take off culturally on the completion of a number of residential and commercial ventures, with a strong focus on social and leisure amenities.

Plans will be on view in the Berkeley Court hotel this Saturday at 2p.m.