Archive: Jul 2015

  1. Tim Groom Architects gains planning for Chester student scheme

    Manchester based Tim Groom Architects received planning permission on Tuesday 30 June for its 121 student studio apartment scheme.  Northgate Point, located on Trafford Street, Chester, is brought together by Primus Alliance Chester Limited which is a Joint Venture between Primus Property Group and Property Alliance Group.

    Located within walking distance of the University of Chester campus, the railway station and the city centre, Northgate Point will provide luxury homes to students.

    Tim Groom, director, Tim Groom Architects said: “We’ve worked hard to design a scheme that draws on the typology of Chester’s townscape around the site, predominately the terraced houses, to amalgamate the development into its location. Expressing this vertically with some sensitive detailing and proportions of the windows, while also introducing texture and relief with architectural detailing will, I am sure, deliver a quality building that will not only stand the test of time but add to Primus’ and PAG’s growing portfolio and reputation for accommodation at the top of the market.”

    The ground and first floor of the building are divided vertically to create the impression of town houses running along Trafford Street, with the window alignment taking its cue from the large stacked windows of the nearby terraces.

    Northgate Point is particularly aimed at post-graduate and overseas students who want 51 week letting periods and high quality accommodation.  The rooms are designed to create a professional learning and study environment, with self-contained kitchens, security, storage and high speed internet connections.

    Duncan Melville, director, Primus Property said: “Our brand is to support student accommodation that has a high quality hotel feel. As such the scheme directly responds to the modern day requirement of students, who now have to invest heavily is their degree and want accommodation that provides them with the best possible learning environment.”

    The plans were approved by Chester City Council and it is expected the building will be complete in time for autumn term 2016.

    The announcement was covered by Place North West, North West Insider and TheBusinessdesk.

  2. More lettings at former ITV and Granada Studios

    OBI Property and Allied London announced a further 8,308 sq ft of work space has been let at the HQ Building and Hello House at the former ITV and Granada Studios, Manchester.  This brings the total amount of space let at Old Granada Studios to 67,500 sq ft within the past 12 months.

    All the companies have moved into the space on flexible leases, the six companies that have taken space are:  the Internet service provider Telcom (2,575 sq ft); Sparklestreet Projects who have opened a recording studio (2,299 sq ft); Levitt Bernstein an architectural practice (1,184 sq ft); the lighting supplier Tyson Lighting (1,770 sq ft); App developers Crosby Associates (320 sq ft); and Film production company Andrew Sumner (160 sq ft).

    HQ Building has already undergone a refurbishment to include a coffee shop (Caffeine & Co) on the ground floor and event space which also accommodates regular yoga classes.  Hello Work has now opened in HQ Building and has proven to be hugely successful. It provides workspace and support to media start-ups through to established businesses and broadcasters.

    Michael Ingall, chief executive, Allied London said:  “The success of the former ITV and Granada Studios space proves we are providing a product which appeals to not only the new generation of digital and creative businesses, but importantly the flexible work space we offer is also attractive to larger, professional service companies.

    “I have no doubt as we continue to develop the area into St John’s Quarter, redefining the traditional property model, we will bring these and many more businesses along with us as they grow.”

    OBI Property is the leasing agent acting with Hello Work.  Emma Powell, OBI Property said:  “The recent lettings at the former ITV and Granada Studios once again shows the popularity of the site, which is a great sign for the future.  Being able to offer additional services provided by hello Hub has been hugely attractive to incoming occupiers. We have suites available from 160 sq ft and are receiving new interest on a daily basis.”

    The Building Consultancy Team at OBI Property has managed all the landlord works at Granada HQ and Hello House, including the transformation of the HQ reception and the fit out works for new tenants.

    The news was featured on TheBusinessdesk and North West Insider.