Property round-up: FCHO; Equans; Harworth Group; Morada; Autism Together; Miller Homes; Trafford Waters; Legat Owen; Cubo
Housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is celebrating completion of its first 11 affordable homes at Lovell Homes’ Eden Park development, marking a major milestone at the scheme.
These are the first of 47 family properties that the housing association will be taking handover of through to early 2024.
Of the 11 complete homes, six are three-bedroom houses and one is a four-bedroom house for shared ownership, with four three-bedroom houses for rent to buy.
Through a £12.2m deal, FCHO has secured a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes at Eden Park, comprising 19 properties for shared ownership, 17 for rent to buy and 11 for affordable rent to meet local housing need.
The project, which has attracted £2.4m Homes England grant funding, boasts green credentials to help customers minimise energy consumption and keep their bills down. All properties are planned to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) B, and each is also equipped with an electric vehicle charging point.
Homes for shared ownership are being marketed through FCHO’s Fabric Living brand, with first phase of properties already reserved and 15 more homes soon to be released for sale.
The investment is part of FCHO’s development strategy to deliver 1,100 new, high quality, energy efficient homes in Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Kirklees, and Calderdale 2020-2026.
Joel Owen, FCHO’s director of development, said: “It’s fantastic to take handover of the first great new homes at Eden Park. Rochdale borough is one of the key areas in our development strategy and we’re pleased to be working with Lovell to bring forward a variety of property types and offer a range of tenures.
“In doing so, we can help locals secure the quality homes they need and take their first step on the property ladder at an affordable price.”
Tahreen Shad, Lovell’s North West regional partnerships director, said: “Eden Park is the final phase of a 500-unit regeneration development in Langley, a scheme we commenced in 2005, bringing in public realm and high quality market sale and affordable tenure housing to kick start market interest into the area. Since those early days of the development, the area has been transformed and proved an incredible success for both new and local residents.
“Eden Park includes both sale and affordable homes and we are delighted to be working with FCHO to deliver new build affordable homes. Following on from Langley, we will be working in collaboration with FCHO to progress similar opportunities in Greater Manchester.”
Across the Rochdale borough, FCHO currently has 180 new homes at six sites in Heywood, Middleton and Littleborough, and the provider has delivered 102 homes – a mix of family houses and apartments – in the area in the past three years.
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Equans has completed work on the Murdishaw retrofit scheme in Runcorn, which has seen the completion of 528 energy-efficiency measures to 132 properties, transforming them in both appearance and energy performance.
The work has been carried out following long term collaboration with the client, Onward, which Equans supported with its application for Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding.
The scheme has taken a ‘fabric-first’ approach to decarbonising the properties, with more than £6m of investment into major improvements including new air ventilations systems, roofs, windows, and doors. Residents will now benefit from warmer, more comfortable homes into the winter months as well as reduced energy consumption.
The Equans refurbishment team has been working with Onward in Murdishaw since 2021 on this scheme, undertaking property and structural surveys, gathering retrofit data and carrying out energy assessments from the beginning, ensuring the works were completed to the required PAS2030/2035 specification.
Alongside the home improvement work, Onward has supported the local community to regenerate a previously disused boxing gym in the area into a new community café and hub. Through their social value commitment, Equans provided funds for the refurbishment of the new café, helping to create a fresh space which can be used by the people of Murdishaw for years to come.
Neil Warburton, director of regeneration and sustainability at Equans, said: “This is one of a number of schemes that Equans has completed, and is still delivering, utilising Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding. This scheme is an example of how collaboration across the board can result in an end product that benefits residents and the environment.”
James Hill, director of property at Onward, said: “Over the past 12 months we have been working with our local partners and residents to regenerate Murdishaw by making improvements to homes and supporting the community’s vision for a new local centre in the heart of the neighbourhood.
“The retrofit works that have been delivered with Equans have addressed the poor energy efficiency of the bungalows, meaning residents will now benefit from warmer, more comfortable homes. Reaching the end of this work is another important milestone in our journey in Murdishaw.”
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Penlake Juniors
Harworth Group, a regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has seen its plans to develop a new £3m outdoor sports facility at its Moss Nook development approved by St Helens Council.
The plans will see four new sports pitches created for Penlake Juniors FC as well as a multi-use changing room and car park.
The site at Cromdale Grove is the second phase of development at Moss Nook, with the first phase including 258 new homes currently under construction and a new spine road between Watery Lane and Sutton Road – Provenance Avenue – which opened in December 2022.
Established in 1971, Penlake Juniors FC has become a production line for professional clubs with players going on to join teams including Bradford City, Norwich City and Bolton. The club will relocate from its current home at Beechams Playing Fields, with the land to be used for residential development as part of a future phase of Moss Nook. The application also includes new and improved footpaths linking the sports facility to the local area and providing connections to future phases of Moss Nook.
The planning application followed consultation with the local community, which led to a number of changes to the proposals. As a result of feedback the football pitches were moved further away from residential properties on Cromdale Grove, the height of fencing was increased and improvements were made to footpaths connecting to the site.
The 95-acre Moss Nook site, just over a mile to the south of St Helens town centre, has an outline planning consent for 900 new homes. In 2020, Harworth secured £2m funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to help accelerate development of the complex brownfield site.
Work is expected to start on the new playing fields in spring 2024.
Andrew Pexton, regional director for North West, Harworth, said: “Moss Nook is one of the largest regeneration projects in the region and is set to deliver up to 900 new homes including affordable and homes to rent alongside larger family homes. With the first phase already under construction, today’s decision is an important step forward in delivering a new residential community in St Helens.”
Gary Goodwin, Football Club Secretary, Penlake Juniors FC, said: “I know that Penlake Juniors FC members will really appreciate this major investment and the state-of-the-art facilities the project will deliver. We’re very proud to have worked with thousands of young people over the last 50 years. The new facilities will futureproof the club, allowing us to grow and provide opportunities for more young players for many years to come.”
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Stocks Inn pub
The Stocks Inn pub in Stalybridge, Manchester has been purchased by Morada Property Management, for an undisclosed sum.
Morada owners, Lisa and Steven Higginbottom, plan to turn the unused former pub into high quality community housing in the form of an eight-bedroom rental property for professionals.
This is the fifth property purchased by the Oldham-based company as it seeks to increase the supply of high quality, co-living, sustainable homes in the North West. The commercial property team at Jackson Lees acted on behalf of Morada.
Subject to planning permission, Morada intends to convert the 260 sq m property into eight ensuite bedrooms, with shared kitchen and living space, by February 2024. The properties will then be available for short term let, between six months and three years.
As well as door security, each tenant will also benefit from super-fast broadband, a bike store and fixed priced rental to include all bills.
This is Lisa and Steven’s second business. In 2021, the couple sold Green Fingers Landscape after a successful 25 years and have since worked with Jackson Lees, who were appointed to manage several post-sale matters and now handle Morada’s property purchases.
Steven Higginbottom said: “We recognise that it is not always a popular decision when a local pub is sold to be something else, but we are taking buildings that are no longer viable and breathing new life into the community through high quality and sustainable housing for professionals.
“The Stalybridge property offers great transport links into Manchester but will also serve many professionals working in the Stalybridge area.”
Rebecca Emmitt, a commercial property solicitor at Jackson Lees, said: “I am delighted to have been able to act on behalf of Lisa and Steven in relation to their purchase of the Stocks Inn and assist them as they seek to grow their portfolio and realise their vision of turning unused buildings into sustainable properties. I look forward to working with them on many more.”
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Giles Shirley Hall
Wirral charity, Autism Together, is calling on the local community to share their thoughts on the restoration and development of a number of listed buildings in historic Bromborough Pool Village.
Earlier this year, Riverside Housing gifted three of those buildings to Autism Together – the Grade II-listed Enterprise Centre, Giles Shirley Hall and the former St Matthew’s Church building.
Now the charity is wanting to undertake some much-needed repairs to the buildings, while looking to provide greater community access to the Enterprise Centre, the village’s former school building, and Giles Shirley Hall.
In order to involve the community fully in this process, Autism Together is hosting a number of information meetings, drop-in sessions and events where the public can find out more and share their thoughts. The charity will also be asking people to fill in a questionnaire to provide feedback on how they think the village’s community spaces could best be utilised.
Angie Kemp, Autism Together’s director of business development, said: “For over 10 years, the village has been an important hub for our charity, with buildings in Bromborough Pool hosting a range of our support services.
“The three buildings we were gifted are listed and in a conservation area. Over the years they have seen a great deal of wear and tear, which has left them requiring restoration. We are extremely keen to engage with the public, and key stakeholders, to hear their wishes for the village, and how the community spaces within these buildings could best be used by people living nearby.”
The community consultation meetings are taking place at Giles Shirley Hall in Bromborough Pool Village on Saturday, November 25, from 2-3pm and Thursday, November 30, from 6-7pm.
Later, drop-in events will take place at Bromborough Pool Garden Centre on Tuesday, December 5, from 10am-12 noon and Thursday, December 14, from 1-3pm.
Paper-based questionnaires will be distributed locally and can be picked up from Bromborough Pool Garden Centre and Café. There is also a suggestion box set up in the café for feedback about the project. All the information about the Bromborough Pool Village project is available on Autism Together’s website, along with the chance to share your thoughts through an online questionnaire.
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CGI of Wilbury Park
Miller Homes has formed a partnership with Crewe-based Show Business Interiors, bringing a revolutionary concept to its Wilbury Park development in Halewood, Liverpool.
This collaborative endeavour, aptly named ‘Instant Living,’ will offer new home buyers the opportunity to purchase houses that are partly or fully furnished, providing a hassle-free transition into their dream homes.
Located at Higher Road, Liverpool, the Wilbury Park development will set a new standard for contemporary living, showcasing a blend of design, comfort, and convenience.
At the heart of the collaboration is the ‘Instant Living’ experience. Buyers of certain plots at Wilbury Park development will receive an exclusive interior design package, designed by Show Business Interiors. This offers purchasers the opportunity to swiftly move into their home without the hassle of designing. The design is meticulously styled with a contemporary finish but leaves ample room for purchasers to build upon and add their personal style.
The ‘Instant Living’ concept offers two comprehensive solutions for discerning buyers, one which offers window treatments and lights, and the other, full furnishings with a stylist touch. This business partnership aims to redefine the home buying experience in the North West, making it more convenient and personal than before.
Clare Noakes, Miller Homes’ sales director for the North West, said: “Our collaboration with Show Business Interiors represents an evolution in the home buying process. ‘Instant Living’ at Wilbury Park will provide our customers with convenience and expertly designed interior packages, giving them the power to shape their dream homes from day one. This innovative approach embodies our commitment to delivering top-quality, stylish, and functional homes.”
Show Business Interiors’ sales director, Amie Reeves, said: “Instant Living presents a distinctive solution for developers and purchasers in response to shifting dynamics in the housing market. Our collaboration with Miller Homes signifies an exciting milestone in the home-buying landscape.”
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Work has begun to start building a care home, with specialist on-site dementia care, at Trafford Waters in TraffordCity.
Trafford Council approved the plans for the 85-bed care home earlier this year, which will be delivered in partnership by specialist healthcare provider Montpelier Estates, investment partner Octopus Real Estate and waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters.
The home will offer tailored dementia care and amenities for later living, with a range of on-site facilities to encourage socialising and community building in a comfortable, safe, and supportive space.
The new residential development at Trafford Waters will include an on-site bistro café, hair salon, cinema, and sensory rooftop garden.
There will also be plenty of spaces created within the development for community events, relaxation and exercise to look after the mental and physical wellness of future residents. Several parts of the facility will also be open to the wider public to encourage further interaction and community building within the emerging Trafford Waters neighbourhood.
The care home forms part of the first phase of 350 residential properties being built at Trafford Waters. It follows on from L&Q also recently breaking ground to start the delivery of its affordable homes scheme also at Trafford Waters.
Both the care home and the affordable homes scheme form a key part of Peel Waters’ wider vision and plans for their Trafford Waters neighbourhood. Peel secured outline planning permission for the waterside development in TraffordCity and it is projected to create 3,000 jobs and 3,000 homes, in addition to a new on-site primary school, hotel and 20 acres of open space to improve health, wellbeing and access to nature.
James Whittaker, executive director of Peel Waters, said: “It is fantastic to see Trafford Waters building momentum with two new residential developments starting on site in quick succession, bringing much needed, quality, mixed tenure homes to TraffordCity.”
Anna Ciesielska, director of Montpelier Estates, said: “We are extremely excited that the ideas we started to formulate nearly two years ago are about to be built and become a home to many residents.”
Max Weitzmann, investment director at Octopus Real Estate, said: “TraffordCity is an innovative concept, a city within a city, with a focus on health and wellbeing. To have a care home at the centre of such an impactful regeneration project is a fantastic result for the wider later living sector.”
Cllr Tom Ross, leader of Trafford Council, said: “Trafford Council is totally committed to a programme of regeneration and development across the entire borough. Trafford Waters is a fantastic development which will result in 3,000 new homes as well as thousands of new jobs, hotel and 20 acres of open space.”
Trafford Waters is part of Peel Waters, a UK-wide portfolio of vibrant and innovative, waterfront developments, delivering large-scale regeneration projects, creating jobs, economic growth, new homes and new public realm across the country.
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Legat Owen has been instructed to market an outstanding freehold gateway development opportunity in a prominent Chester landmark position.
The sale of this site offers a unique opportunity to acquire a brownfield development site, of circa 0.288 hectares (0.712 acres), in a prominent position fronting one of the main arterial routes into Chester city centre.
The site has extensive frontage to the A56 Hoole Road and is close to the suburb of Hoole, locally referred to as ‘Notting Hoole’, the railway station and city centre.
The property could be suitable for a variety of residential/care/retirement/leisure development options, subject to obtaining the necessary statutory consents.
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Danette Richards, Ben McFall, Nathan Whiteley (Cubo)
The official launch has taken place of the new Cubo flex office space in Manchester, with prospective new members, property agents and the business community all keen to see the new workspace at The Lincoln, on Lincoln Square.
Cubo at The Lincoln offers 30,000 sq ft of flexible Grade A office space to a range of occupiers including tech companies, SMEs, and corporates. Just under 800 desks are arranged across two floors with offices available in a variety of sizes and configurations. Hot desking and designated desks are also available.
Facilities include 24/7 access, use of large communal spaces, private areas, break-out spaces, meeting rooms and kitchens, a complementary barista service with beer and fizz on tap, along with a programme of free networking events.
As well as the regular Cubo member benefits, The Lincoln also offers a range of impressive onsite amenities including wellness room, spin studio, and yoga studio. It will also provide 120 cycle spaces and 164 lockers, along with shower facilities equipped with a drying room.
There has already been significant interest from corporate businesses looking to be based in one of the city’s most high profile buildings and new members will be announced shortly.
The Lincoln occupies a prominent location in the Central Business District, surrounded by a vibrant and eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, retail, and hotels. It has direct access to the city’s public transport links and parking facilities.
Cubo was founded in 2020 by property investors Marc and Becky Brough and is establishing itself as a key provider of high end flex office and co-working space with locations across the UK in cities including Leeds, Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
Earlier this year, ambitious plans were announced to almost double its footprint nationally by the end of 2023 – a growth strategy backed by investment firm Literacy Capital.
A second site in Nottingham has recently launched, alongside an additional workspace in Birmingham and other locations are set to come on stream in the coming months.
Cubo CEO, Marc Brough, said: “Expanding our footprint across the UK has been an exciting journey, and we’re thrilled to have been able to showcase Cubo at The Lincoln to prospective members and property agents and the local business community.
“The Lincoln offers a high end, contemporary look in a prime location with proximity to the city centre and excellent transport links. This new workspace continues our rapid expansion and reinforces our commitment to opening in the very best locations across the UK’s core cities.”
