Property round-up: LMH to re-boot Norris Green estate; and more
LIVERPOOL Mutual Homes (LMH) has agreed a joint venture with Liverpool City Council for a £4 million Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) scheme to revive 74 properties in Norris Green.
The homes on the Boot Estate, earmarked for demolition over a decade ago and now mostly derelict, are being given a makeover by LMH, which will convert three-bed properties in Broad Lane and Winskill Road into eco-homes as part of the Ellergreen development.
Following a tender process, contractor Mitie will carry out the work that will be completed by October this year.
The £4 million scheme will be financed via CESP funds – a subsidy from an energy company in return for carbon reduction savings – resources from LMH and a £750,000 contribution from Liverpool City Council.
LMH chief executive Steve Coffey said: “The properties have sat empty and neglected for far too long so it is fantastic to be able to announce we are on-site and work has started.
“In the 1970s the estate was a desirable place to live with a fantastic close-knit community spirit and we are really looking forward to recreating this type of neighbourhood once again.”
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A multi-disciplinary Pick Everard and Gleeds team has been appointed to design a new £3m synthetic chemistry laboratory refurbishment at Manchester University.
Founded in 1824, The University of Manchester is the biggest campus-based university in the UK and has one of the largest Schools of chemistry in Europe.
The project, which will take place between May and September, involves the design and project management of construction of a large, open-plan synthetic laboratory with fume cupboards, bench space, supporting laboratory areas, offices and meeting/lecture areas. Gleeds will provide cost management as part of the Pick Everard team.
Pick Everard partner Duncan Green said: “Our experience of educational buildings and on similarly technical projects at other universities and research units will be drawn upon in the design of this new facility.
“It is an important project in the continuing delivery of world class research at Manchester University and we’re delighted to be involved.”
Having in-house specialists in sustainable technologies will be essential in achieving WRAP’s requirements and reducing the carbon outputs of these new facilities.”
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ASK Developments has relocated its headoffice into the Pinnacle building on King St.
The firm has sub-let 2,640 sq ft of space on the fifth floor of the building from law firm McGrigors, which has relocated to a bigger office at One The Avenue building in Spinningfields.
Ask has moved from The Old School House at George Leigh St in Ancoats, which is currently up for sale at £1.25m.
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AVID Property Consultants has been appointed as monitoring surveyor for a new £6.8m David Lloyd health & fitness centre in Worcester by Standard Life Investments.
The firm has instructed Avid to oversee the construction of the £6.8 million building, which is located just off the M5 next to the new Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Six Ways stadium.
The development monitoring team at Avid will be responsible for technical assessment and overseeing the construction progress over the 10-month term of the project.
The 60,000 sq ft building will feature indoor and outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools. together with changing facilities and bar areas.
Work began on in December 2011 and completion is expected in September 2012.
Avid partner Jeremy Powell said: “We are working with Standard Life Investments on several projects across different sectors throughout the country and the David Lloyd contract in Worcester is positive testament to our performance and experience in the leisure arena.
“The David Lloyd facility is close to proposed exciting new developments and will add value and attraction to the edge-of-town area for Standard Life Investments and its client.”
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AUCTION House Smith & Sons is to host its first sale of the year at the Village hotel in Bromborough on February 22.
The firm will sell 31 lots including residential projects in need of refurbishment. It said that strong interested had already been expressed at two properties in Oxton and one in Moreton.
A residential development plot on the outskirts of Neston village is also up for sale, which has planning approval for a three-bed detached house/
Auctioneer Chris Johnson (left) said: “This catalogue presents a broad range of opportunities for refurbishment, new build, rental and resale. 2011 was a challenging year for the property market but auction results remained strong and there is still good demand for properties offered at realistic guides.”
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LETINGS firm Bluerow warns that the Liverpool market looks set for another fall in property prices but the rental market remains strong.
Helen Griffin-Booth, managing director of Bluerow Lettings said: “Experts are pretty conclusive that 2012 will see prices for property drop by up to 10%.
“However, the rental market is still booming and this presents a good opportunity for landlords looking to increase their property portfolio.”
She added: “Over the past few years there has been a huge gap between asking prices and selling prices, but this is beginning to correct itself now. This presents an opportunity for landlords with prices dropping they can pick up some great investments.”
“Demand to have your own home is as strong as ever and if people can’t afford to get on the ladder they turn to the rental market.”
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FIFIELD Glyn has negotiated terms for the re-letting of a shop on the pedestrianised George Street in Altrincham to The Money Shop.
The company has taken a new 10-year lease on 64 George Street at a rent of £25,000 a year.
Richard Smith of Fifield Glyn said: “Given the number of empty shops on George Street and the difficulties facing High Street retailers at the present time, this represents an excellent deal for our clients in an extremely challenging market.”
The Money Shop was advised by Hynes & Co.
