McCourt appoints Knight Frank as sole agent to Bournville scheme

BIRMINGHAM property developer Court Collaboration has appointed Knight Frank as sole sales agent on its redevelopment of Franklin House, the former headquarters of Cadbury in Bournville.

The developer is converting the former office building into 79 luxury apartments.

The redevelopment of the building into ‘The Franklin’, a collection of modern boutique apartments featuring four penthouses with internal courtyards, is a first for Bournville and is due to be completed next spring.

The project sees contractor Shaylor Group working closely with Birmingham-based architect Bryant Priest Newman to incorporate many of the building’s original features including its tall windows and lofty 12 foot ceilings.

The new development will see studio, one and two-bedroom apartments fitted out to an exceptionally high standard, and will feature designer kitchens from Italy and Roca bathrooms from Spain. The Franklin will also boast a resident’s gym and large car park.

Speaking of Knight Frank’s appointment, Anthony McCourt, CEO at Court Collaboration, said: “Joining forces with Knight Frank to sell the properties in The Franklin made complete sense. This is a first for Bournville, and Knight Frank’s experience of this type of development, along with its outstanding reputation and presence, made it the ideal partner to help us transform this redundant building into people’s new homes.”

Stuart Eustace, sales manager at Knight Frank, said: “As the agents bringing The Franklin to market, we are excited to be involved with the rejuvenation of this former office building in one of the city’s most desirable and established suburbs.

“We expect The Franklin to appeal to a broad spectrum of investors and owner occupiers alike, with the development being situated just a stone’s throw from Bournville train station; servicing Birmingham University, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the city centre within just 12 minutes.

“Interest in The Franklin is already strong and reservations have already been taken, suggesting purchasers will need to move quickly if they want to own property in one of the few apartment schemes to come to market in Birmingham during 2015.”