LUXURY apartments on Portland are to be rented out at prices of up to £1,500 a week before the Olympics.

Top end self-catering property provider Blue Chip Vacations has agreed a deal with Comer Homes to market 50 apartments at its Ocean Views development in Castletown.

Prices include £594 a week for a two bed flat season and £1,500 in high season for a three floor penthouse with panoramic views.

Blue Chip said that it had already taken bookings for the coming months but was also aiming to capitalise on the such events as the Shooting World Cup in May, a Sail for Gold regatta in August and the growing popularity of the Jurassic Coast.

Philip Newnes, who is head of property portfolio at Blue Chip Vacations, said: “Ocean Views overlooks the Olympic course and some of the best sailing waters in Europe, making it a prime location for visitors, competitors and sailing fans looking to stay on Portland.

“We’re already experiencing strong booking levels for our available apartments and a great deal of interest from competitors planning ahead for the Olympics.

“It’s great to think that visitors, athletes and supporters can now stay in luxury on Portland enjoying grandstand views of competitions, the harbour and Chesil Beach.”

Ocean Views are former navy accommodation blocks.

Many have been sold but Blue Chip will market the 50 apartments in batches of 10 with the first block of properties now on the market before others are available in 2011 and 2012.

There are six penthouses in the Ocean Views complex. The three-floor apartments have 360 degree views of Chesil Beach, Portland and the Olympic sailing courses.

Blue Chip is asking for £619 a week in the early season and £1,500 in high season for the 1,400 sq ft, two bedroom penthouses.

Coun Howard Legg, who is Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s briefholder for partnerships and special projects, said: “The announcement is great news for Weymouth and Portland.

“This new, high-end self-catering accommodation will increase the level and choice of quality accommodation here in the borough for visitors who are attracted year-round to our glorious Jurassic coastline, diverse history and local attractions.

“Combined with a growing interest from sailing competitors and support teams who have been looking for accommodation close to the 2012 sailing course, these new self-catering apartments will help to meet a very real demand.”

Blue Chip Vacations has 650 luxury cottages, homes and apartments in the South West.

More 500 that are luxury four and five star rated.