Property round-up: Urban Splash; First Choice Homes Oldham; Big Red; Regional Property Solutions
The last houses have arrived at New Islington in central Manchester.
The houses have been created by housebuilder House by Urban Splash which precision engineers each home in its factory before delivering them to New Islington.
New images show the homes being craned into place at Marina Gardens – a patch of land positioned opposite the first Town House properties created here in 2016.
Toby Brown, from House by Urban Splash, said: “This is an exciting milestone as we create the final family houses at New Islington.
“Seeing the houses being craned in reminds us of how far we have come on this journey. We’re very proud of what’s been achieved at New Islington, these homes have made this area a viable option for all, especially families who, historically, would have had to seek out houses in the suburbs.”
New Islington has been transformed from an 80’s estate with a tarnished history into one where hundreds of homes have been created, one third of them affordable, as well as a marina, OFSTED-outstanding school, and an influx of new bars, restaurants and independent businesses, with more homes and amenities planned for the future.
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The Lees properties
Housing association, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), has invested £3.2m to bring new, family homes to Lees, helping to meet growing demand for affordable housing in the borough.
Since the autumn, the social landlord has secured 17 three-bedroom houses at the new build scheme on Wellyhole Street.
The FCHO-owned homes, available for affordable rent, have been let in conjunction with Oldham Council.
As part of the housing association’s drive to increase supply of good quality, energy efficient and low carbon homes, all properties have achieved Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) B to help customers to save on energy bills and reduce the environmental impact of the properties.
Joel Owen, FCHO director of development, said: “We’re working hard to bring forward more new, affordable, sustainable homes like these at Wellyhole Street to meet the challenge of increasing demand.
“Buying homes ‘off the shelf’ from developers, as we have done here, is among the ways that we are trying grow our housing stock. We also look for opportunities to acquire land, land-led package deals, Section 106 units and explore partnerships/joint ventures, too, meaning we’re on track to deliver 750 affordable homes in Oldham and surrounding areas by 2026 to help meet local housing need.”
FCHO has completed on 81 new homes in Oldham and Rochdale so far in this financial year. Work is under way at more sites across Oldham and developments in progress include High Barn Phase two in Royton, Cherry Ave in Alt, and Tanners Fold in Fitton Hill.
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The former bank building
Work started this month on the redevelopment of a former HSBC building on Eccleston street in Prescot, Merseyside.
The project forms part of a wider £3.1m heritage-led regeneration project.
Huddersfield construction firm Big Red will be taking on the redevelopment, led by senior contract manager Dan Clark, which will see the 100-year-old building converted into eight apartments and a bistro bar. The £800,000 contract will take around 40 weeks to complete.
The original bank was constructed during the 1920s by Midland Bank.
Big Red specialises in residential, retail and commercial, food pharma and health, and building management services, with experience in renovation projects such as The Beacon Centre, Manchester, and Renaissance Works, Huddersfield.
Mike Lomas, managing director of Big Red Industries, said: “We’re really looking forward to this project. It’s always interesting working on buildings with historical architecture as they have a unique set of challenges and obstacles, but the end result is always satisfying. We’re keen to maintain the building’s historical integrity. I’m really excited to get started.”
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85 George Street
The long leasehold interest for the upper floors at 85 George Street, Altrincham has been sold with vacant possession by Altrincham Property Partnership to 21 Living Altrincham for £200,000.
The property, located on the town’s premier shopping street, comprises a total of 2,500 sq ft.
21 Living is planning to convert the two upper floors, comprising 1,500 sq ft, into residential accommodation.
Luke Powell, director, 21 Living, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to create two high specification apartments in the heart of this thriving town centre. We have enjoyed preparing for the renovation, selecting finishes that bring the character property back to life, and are looking forward to bringing them to the rental market later this spring.”
Daniel Lee, director, Regional Property Solutions, who acted for the vendor, said: “The upper floors of a number of properties along George Street have been converted into residential accommodation and with the Stamford Quarter regeneration project, a joint venture between Trafford Council and Bruntwood Works, we expect this trend to continue as landlords look to maximise their investment as retail space requirements fall.”
He added: “We continue to be instructed by the vendor, Altrincham Property Partnership, to let the vacant ground floor retail unit, formerly occupied by Hays Travel, comprising 1,000 sq ft at circa £30,000 per annum.”
Sixteen Real Estate acted for the purchaser, 21 Living Altrincham.
