Developer’s £5.5m housing scheme for Morecambe

BUILD-to-rent developer PlaceFirst has appointed Rowlinson Construction to deliver a £5.5m scheme of 97 homes in the Lancashire seaside town of Morecambe.

The project will be a mix of two, three and four-bedroomed maisonettes, houses and apartments.

The Manchester-based developer says it aims to breathe new life into a stalled regeneration scheme by remodelling and refurbishing 28 empty Victorian terraced properties – formerly guest houses – in the west end of Morecambe to crease 51 units in the first phase.

PlaceFirst wants to mirror the success of previous regeneration initiatives in the town, including the revamp of The Midland Hotel.

Rowlinson will start work in March with completion of the first phase due in August.

The new homes are being built for the private rental market with the aim of improving the quality of private rentals for the increasing number of individuals and families who now rely on the sector for their housing needs.

Founder and managing director of PlaceFirst David Smith-Milne said: “These large and impressive properties present a unique opportunity to reinvent the Victorian guesthouse and breathe new life into the west end of Morecambe.

“We want to preserve everything what’s good about the properties, whilst at the same time bring them into the 21st century through thoughtful internal remodelling and opening up the rear to create a unique residents garden.

“The west end of Morecambe is characterised by such handsome Victorian terraced properties, and our investment at elsewhere demonstrates how these properties can be remodelled to offer spacious, attractive family homes.

“The location is great with a choice of shops and cafes on the doorstep, and the awarding-winning promenade and beach is just a short walk away.”