Property briefs: John Turner, HOW Planning; Downing; Barnfield; CVS
PRESTON-based John Turner Construction has won the £7.5m contract to redevelop a care home in Prestwich, Greater Manchester.
The first phase of the redevelopment of Heathlands Care Village is due to start next month.
The work will involve the remodelling internal communal areas and the landscaping the grounds at the scheme which is run by social care charity The Fed.
Nigel Sharp, operations director at John Turner, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to handle this innovative project, which will have such a significant and positive impact on the lives of the many people who are cared for by The Fed.”
The new scheme has been designed by Manchester-based architects Buttress Fuller Allsop Williams, while mechanical and electrical works will be undertaken by Lewis Facilities of Oldham.
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NELSON’S Barnfield Construction has handed over the keys to the first major development stage of On The Banks, a £10.3m tchnical college for Visions Learning Trust.
Barnfield has been working on the repair, refurbishment and extension of Victoria Mill, one of the main buildings within the scheme, formerly known as Weavers Triangle.
The project included the renovation of the former Victoria Mill, weavers’ shed and engine room including new floors and roofs together with extensive timber and roof repairs. A new build multi-purpose hall has been constructed next to the mill.
Site manager Mike Riley said: “I am immensely proud of the whole team for the passion they have shown in working around the clock to complete this enormous regeneration project in time for the first student to walk through the grand entrance on the opening day.”
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KINGMOOR Park Properties has won an appeal to build a 400,000 sq ft warehouse on a greenfield site next to Wrexham Industrial Estate.
Manchester-based HOW Planning represented the company and it said the planning inspector found that the scheme would cause significant harm to the local landscape and that it conflicted with the approved development plan for the area. However, it was passed because of the potential for job creation.
HOW partner Gary Halman said: “This is a really important decision. It is one of the first appeals for major economic development in Wales since the Welsh Government reviewed its planning policy guidance to emphasise the importance of encouraging jobs and economic growth in planning decisions.
“The inspector was persuaded that the weight to be attached to these factors significantly offset the conflict with the UDP and the other harm that she identified, and was happy to grant permission because of the compelling economic benefits of the scheme.”
Carlisle-based Kingmoor is owned by the Scowcroft family. Agents for the site are Matthews and Goodman.
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LIVERPOOL property group Downing has launched the next phase of its Flexi-Office refurbishments.
Downing is attempting to undercut the serviced office market by offering stripped down space on flexible terms. It is keeping prices low by not furnishing the offices or offering phone and internet services.
It is currently offering Flexi-Office space at No 1 Old Hall Street, Victoria House and the Port of Liverpool Building. The latest round involves the creation of a further 15 offices at No 1 Old Hall Street and five suites at the Port of Liverpool Building.
Robin Ellis, senior agency surveyor at Downing, said: “We’re very pleased with how our Flexi-Office space has been received by the market. As we enter the third phase of flexi-office refurbishments, we’re also witnessing a strong pipeline of potential tenants looking to capitalise on our offering.
“This is a new way of renting an office, which provides companies with a bespoke solution, which is tailored to their individual needs; allowing them to establish themselves in expertly managed, city centre buildings, without the costs and level of commitment sometimes associated with high-quality commercial lets.”
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MANCHESTER-based business rates appeals specialist CVS has become the main sponsor for the London Wasps rugby union side.
The CVS brand will sit on the front of all London Wasps playing shirts and the back of the players’ shorts this season, as well as on replica shirts and training kit.
Chief executive, Mark Rigby, also a former Wasps Captain and current Chairman of the Club, said: “Wasps’ competitiveness and desire to win is a perfect reflection of our own brand values. I am genuinely excited about the future of London Wasps with new owner Derek Richardson and a talented team of players under the guidance of Dai Young. We are proud at CVS to be there at the start of this new era and are looking forward to a great season.”
