Property round-up: Salix Homes; Property Sense; Peel L&P; Mr Investa; Vernon Building Society; Blackpool Council

Salford housing association, Salix Homes, has been awarded the highest grading from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in recognition of the homes and services it provides for customers.

The RSH, the Government body that regulates the social housing sector, recently completed an inspection of Salix Homes as part of the new standards and inspection programme introduced to help drive improvements in the quality of homes and services in the sector.

The housing association, which owns 8,000 homes across Salford in Greater Manchester, is one of the first housing associations in the country to be awarded the highest possible C1 (consumer) grading, which is a newly introduced rating system based on performance against the new Consumer Standards.

The landlord also retained its G1 grading for governance and V2 grading for financial viability.

Sue Sutton

Sue Sutton, Salix Homes Chief Executive, said: “This is a really positive outcome for Salix Homes and we’re very proud to be amongst the first housing associations to have achieved the highest possible C1 grading under the new Consumer Standards, which reflects our ongoing commitment to putting customers at the heart of our organisation.

“This achievement is testament to the dedication and hard work of our workforce, board and Customer Committee. It also underpins our collective efforts to ensure that our homes are safe and well maintained, our customers are listened to and respected, and that our services are responsive and effective.”

She added: “Retaining our G1 and V2 gradings also highlights our dedication to strong governance and financial stability. 

The Government introduced the new Consumer Standards in April this year as part of an integrated approach to social housing regulation, setting the outcomes that landlords must deliver for tenants.

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Mike Haywood

Stockport-based estate and letting agent disruptor, Property Sense, has expanded its office space ahead of plans to recruit a raft of new hires.   

The agency, which works primarily in the build-to-rent market, has leased two full floors of the Borough Chambers building, located on St Petersgate in Stockport city centre.

The firm, which launched as an estate agency back in April following success in the property investment space, moved into its new premises this month. 

The office expansion coincides with a strong hiring drive, with the firm looking to recruit up to 10 people in the next six months.  

A finance manager will be among the new hires, and the successful applicant will join Property Sense’s senior management team.  

The move follows a very successful five months in business for the real estate company.

The firm was appointed as a letting agency for ‘The Interchange’ development in Stockport, where it vastly accelerated lettings and secured tenants for more than 40% of the 196 apartments within weeks of being appointed.

CEO, Mike Haywood, said: “We’re spearheading innovation with our forward-thinking approach and have already proven that it works. From self-contained blocks in the North of England to individual buy-to-lets across the country, we’ve had so much success since our inception.

“Expanding our office space was a natural next step for us, enabling us to grow our team and business offering.”  

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Redbridge Quay

Peel L&P has renamed the Wirral Waters East Float development Redbridge Quay after taking over the whole development from House by Urban Splash, its original joint venture partner, earlier in the year.

Surrounded by pocket parks, trees, dockside walkways and public realm, Redbridge Quay will bring the very latest in sustainable housing design and innovation to Wirral Waters. 

The development, which will include a range of highly sustainable family homes, has taken its new name from its proximity to the landmark red bridge in the north east corner of Wirral docks.

Richard Mawdsley, Peel L&P’s director of development for Wirral Waters, said: “Redbridge Quay will ensure the delivery of new sustainable and contemporary homes for families, individuals and couples in a south-facing waterfront location.”

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Mr Investa VR lounge/cinema room

Mr Investa, the Buy-To-Let property marketplace, is expanding its presence in MediaCity securing more than 2000 sq ft of premium office space ahead of its first investment round.

The new site is fully equipped with private board room, VR Lounge equipped with bar, recording studio and even a putting green.

The firm took a 160 sq ft two-person office space at MediaCity just three years ago.

Founder, Ryan Hughes, said: “We are thrilled to announce our strategic move into the office space, it’s a perfect fit for our vision of growth and innovation.

“This expansion is more than just square footage – it reflects our commitment to excellence, good employment and positions us for further growth ahead of our first investment round raise this month.” 

He added: “Starting in MCUK with £0-worth of stock and now having an exclusive pipe line of £20M+ worth of properties nationwide, the demands of our buy-to-let marketplace have grown rapidly.”

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Bramhall Village branch

Stockport mutual, Vernon Building Society, has relocated to bigger premises in the heart of Bramhall village in a move that will improve the experience for its members and colleagues. 

Relocating from Woodford Road to Bramhall Lane South, the mutual has spent £200,000 and three months renovating the 1,334 sq ft premises, part of its £1.2m investment programme across all six branches in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

The building was occupied by NatWest before it closed its doors in November 2021. 

As with its recent branch refurbishments in Reddish, Hazel Grove and its St Petersgate HQ in Stockport, the Vernon appointed local suppliers. The Bramhall branch was designed by Standing Space, and work has been carried out by local contractors Monks Morton Design Interiors, Flexible Office and Sharp. 

CEO, Steve Fletcher, said: “Offering members face-to-face banking services is what we are proudly known for. 

“We’ve had a branch in Bramhall since 1985 and have been looking for bigger premises in the village for some time, but until NatWest shut, we couldn’t find a space that would tick all the boxes. We’ve been able to create this branch from scratch with an additional private meeting room for members and more room for our employees, which makes for a better experience all round.”

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Grange Park

A £20m social housing scheme at the Grange Park estate in Blackpool has now been completed providing 133 high quality homes.

The development has transformed two previously vacant sites and integrated them into the wider Grange Park estate. 

The project, in total, has delivered 96 houses, seven bungalows and 30 sheltered apartments along with enhanced open spaces, a children’s playground, improved pedestrian and cycle access, as well as significant social value benefits.

The new homes have been funded partially by a grant from Homes England and are managed by Blackpool Coastal Housing who manage around 5,000 properties on Blackpool Council’s behalf.

Funding from the European Regional Development Fund has also supported the installation of air source heat pumps in 30 of the properties which offer an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional heating systems, significantly reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.

In addition, all houses are fitted with solar panels and battery to decrease the community’s carbon footprint and support eco-friendly living and development.

Planning permission was granted in September 2021 for the scheme and local firm, RP Tyson Construction, was appointed as the principal contractor. 

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Levelling Up – Place with responsibilities for Strategic Housing, said: “In less than three years since planning permission was granted this area has been transformed to create new homes, improved foot and cycle paths and a new playground.

“To walk round Grange Park it looks like the properties have always been there, they fit in so well and enhance the overall appearance of the estate. 

“These homes have helped meet local housing needs ranging from one bedroom apartments to six bedroom houses designed for larger families which are also more energy efficient.” 

Jeremy Whittle, Managing Director of Tyson Construction, said: “Blackpool is our home, and we are committed to delivering great homes for local people. At the same time, we aim to have a positive impact on our local community by employing locally based subcontractors, apprentices, providing valuable jobs and supporting local community groups.”

Project management of the scheme was delivered on behalf of the council by Blackpool Housing Company.

Cassidy + Ashton architects were lead designers, developing the designs following conversations with the local community, Boundary Primary School, @theGrange and local stakeholders.