Developer revs up interest in converted car dealership to secure £1.8m deals

BUYERS have driven away from a former 1920s car showroom after agreeing to pay a total of £1.8m for apartments at the redeveloped site.

The purchases at the York scheme were agreed less than a week after it was handed over to developer Northminster.

Five apartments at Piccadilly Lofts were sold for £1.8m, days after the scheme won a York Design Award.

The full scheme has 10 one and two bedroom apartments, with a total value of £3.75m. It is Northminster’s first residential development for 12 years.

The buyers include a local businessman, international investors with connections to the city and a London-based businessman wanting a base in York.

Northminster managing director George Burgess said: “The detailed elements of the design meant a longer than average contract was required to get everything perfect and this has been rewarded by the design award and these very quick sales after an absolute minimum of viewings.

“You cannot create a more sustainable property than one which retains the original structure as we have achieved here. We’re pleased that Piccadilly Lofts will soon be homes, and, hopefully, a catalyst for the further regeneration of Piccadilly.”

Head of the York Design Awards judging panel, London-based architect Julian Bicknell said: “This is a very inventive re-working of a near derelict car showroom on an awkward triangular site between the river and Piccadilly.

“The apartments are tightly planned as befits this city centre site and ingeniously designed.”

York estate agents Hudson Moody have been appointed to market the sites.