Archive: Apr 2015

  1. BBRE acquires Croxley House, Manchester

    Boultbee Brooks Real Estate (BBRE), the UK-based property investor and developer, today announced the acquisition of Croxley House, a period property in the heart of Manchester city centre, for £5.5 million.

    Croxley House, Lloyd Street, Manchester, M2 5ND provides office accommodation arranged over basement to fifth floor, offering a total 27,400 sq ft of office space.

    The building is situated just off Albert Square, close to Deansgate and Spinningfields.  It is well served by the city’s transport links, being a short walk away from both Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria, and is in close proximity to some of Manchester’s best amenities.  Croxley House is fully let to Media Force, Arcon Housing, Hidden Creative and PRP Architects.

    The acquisition of Croxley House is further evidence of BBRE’s strategy to invest in high-quality properties in sought-after, high-growth locations which offer attractive financial returns.  In 2014 the North West commercial property market saw a return to rental growth and an increase in development activity. Manchester is leading the recovery in the UK’s regional markets and Croxley House is located within an area earmarked for new speculative development.

    Clive Boultbee-Brooks, managing director, BBRE said: “Croxley House is situated in a fantastic location, underpinned by the planned mixed use development at the rear of the property which will comprise of hotel, leisure, residential and office accommodation. We are excited by the strong demand and rental growth we are seeing in the area.”

    Will Lewis, OBI Property and Aurum Real Estate acted on behalf of Boultbee Brooks Real Estate.

    The news was featured in Place North West, Manchester Evening News, Insider and theBusinessdesk.

  2. Band on the Wall partner with Warsteiner

    Manchester’s Band on the Wall has announced its new partnership with German beer brand Warsteiner.  The deal, which will last for three years, brings together for the first time, the two brands which share an impressive musical history.

    Band on the Wall has been a music venue since the 1930’s and today still plays a huge role in Manchester’s internationally renowned cultural offer.  Warsteiner has an impressive track record as the premium beer brand behind many of the best and most eclectic festivals and tours across Europe and North America, including the Berlin Festival, Melt Festival and Bunbury Festival in Cincinnati.

    Steve Magnall, managing director, Thwaites said:  ”We are delighted to Do it Right with Warsteiner and the Band on the Wall.

    “The brand and the venue have a long history of remaining committed to the real values. As agents for Warsteiner we are passionate to bring the brand to the correct audience, those who really embrace life and let their passion show.”

    Gavin Sharp. CEO, Inner City Music Ltd said:  “I am delighted to announce our partnership with Warsteiner.  We share the same grown up passion and enthusiasm for music and talent, and the deal will help us develop our event programme both at the venue and at partner venues across the North of England.

    “Band on the Wall is far more than a music venue and to enable us to deliver our eclectic and diverse programme we are dependent upon the generous support of the both the public and the private sector.”

    The deal between Warsteiner and Band on the Wall was organised by brand partnership agency Manchester based A Foot in the Door.

    Band on the Wall this week became the UK’s first small venue to reach Gold status for Deaf and disabled fans. The venue was awarded the recognition by representatives of Attitude is Everything, the charity that campaigns on behalf of Deaf and disabled audiences and operates a nationwide Charter of Best Practice.

    Placing the 320-capacity venue on a par with The O2 and Glastonbury Festival, the Charter’s Gold Status is only awarded to venues and festivals that have exemplary access provision.

    Band on the Wall is a not-for-profit venue run by registered charity Inner City Music. It exists to promote equality and diversity through music and bring the best music from around the world to the stage – both at the Manchester venue and across the country through its touring schemes.

    Sparking and supporting a lifelong passion for music is at Band on the Wall’s core.  Live music events are complemented through a dynamic learning programme delivered in partnership with charity Brighter Sound (also based in the Band on the Wall building), providing opportunity for all ages to participate in music activity – from development through music for young children to music lessons, groups and choirs for people discovering music later in life.

    Band on the Wall is committed to providing opportunities to those wishing to develop careers in the music industry.  Through a partnership with Manchester College it offers students a unique, hands-on opportunity to undertake fully accredited HE and FE courses will full access to the state-of-the-art facilities and industry knowledge housed in the venue.

    Band on the Wall is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and also receives funding from Manchester City Council.

    The news was featured in the Manchester Evening News.

  4. Construction starts on Prescot Watch Factory

    Our client, Formroom Architects announced this week, construction work has begun at the former 6.5 acre Watch Factory site at Prescot, Merseyside to create 56 apartments and 16 bungalows forming the first phase of an extra care accommodation development for Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) and Liverpool based developer Iliad Group.

    Formroom Architects has designed the masterplan for the site which involves development over two phases. The first phase, which is due to complete in spring 2016, includes the conversion of the existing Grade II Listed building together with a new build extension. The new section of the development will create two wings connected to the Listed building with a glazed link sensitively marking the line between old and new. Together with the bungalows the scheme will provide accommodation to help people live independently, with varying levels of care and support on site.

    Tim Groom, director, Formroom Architects said: “It has been wonderful to work with such a fantastic building.  The factory has a striking modernist partly glazed facade which we are completely overhauling. The new build extension will frame a central courtyard with the bungalows enclosing the eastern boundary of the site providing access to the courtyard and facilities within the main building. This layered approach allows permeability through the site between accommodation types and allows for social interaction through both the built facilities and landscaped areas.”

    David Anastasiou, Iliad said: “Iliad are pleased to be delivering another high quality regeneration project which brings a historic building back to life and creates a whole new community for Prescot.”

    The second phase of the development at the site will create a further 62 new homes, which will be for outright sale. Outlining planning has already been granted for this phase and development will be progressed upon completion of Phase I.

    The Grade II Listed watch making factory, originally the headquarters of the Lancashire Watch Company, was built in 1889 and closed in 1910.  In World War II it housed Pals Barracks and later Tinlings Printers. In more recent times it has been used for offices and small business uses.

    The news was covered by the Liverpool Echo and TheBusinessdesk.com 

  5. Planning secured for new OYY Boys School, Salford

    Euan Kellie Property Solutions has gained planning approval from Salford City Council on behalf of Beis Menachem and Yeshivas Lubavitch Manchester, for the redevelopment of the Beis Menacham School at Park Lane, Broughton Park.  The site will be redeveloped to provide a new purpose-built facility, totalling 20,000sqft, for occupation by the OYY Boys School, and will include a new Synagogue and Yeshiva.  The new development, which will attract pupils from all over the world, is expected to open in autumn 2016.

    The site is currently occupied by the OYY Girls School who, thanks to planning permission secured last April by Euan Kellie Property Solutions, will move into their new 10,000 sq ft facility on Bury New Road in autumn 2015.

    Euan Kellie, director, Euan Kellie Property Solutions said: “Gaining planning permission for this important new community facility is the conclusion of a complex but rewarding project with Beis Menacham and the Yeshivas Lubavitch Manchester.  The new facilities being created are of international significance.”

    Designed by Stockport architects Cartwright & Gross, with input from construction consultancy MJ Newton, the new school, Synagogue and Yeshiva will welcome up to 200 pupils in total.

    The OYY Boys School will accommodate up to 80 students and it includes six classrooms, staff areas and offices, assembly/games hall, resource area and external play areas.  The school will have its own independent access and its own dedicated car park and drop-off point.

    The Yeshiva includes a large study room (known as a Zal) which will seat 120 pupils.  It will also include a Mikvah (a ritual bath for use by students), changing facilities, laundry, kitchen and dining area, a Shuir (private study area) and library.  The Synagogue will comprise a large assembly room.

    Gary Scorah, Commercial Properties Limited, acting on behalf of Beis Menachem and the Yeshivas Lubavitch Manchester, said: “We are thrilled Euan has secured planning permission for our new boys school, Synagogue and Yeshiva and we are looking forward to seeing the design by Cartwright & Gross come to fruition and welcoming our new pupils in the autumn of next year.”

    The story was featured in Place North West and the Manchester Evening News.