Archive: Dec 2016

  1. Wigan approves updated Astley Point plans

    Last week Wigan Council’s Planning Committee approved the updated plans for the 4.5 acre Astley Point, a £9 million development, by Salcaul Limited on Higher Green Lane, Astley.

    Set in beautifully landscaped surroundings, Astley Point will comprise:

    • 12 luxury one and two bedroom apartments (ranging from 600 sq ft to 1,345 sq ft) in two new, three storey buildings.
    • Two 1657 sq ft, three bedroom exclusive penthouse apartments (one in each building).
    • 14 new family homes
    • High specification including designer kitchens and bathrooms
    • Modern appliances
    • Secure parking for all residents
    • New dining and entertainment destination.
    • New landscaping including a water feature and extensive planting

    Sean McCaul, director, Salcaul Limited said:  “We are thrilled our updated proposals for Astley Point have been approved.  Having listened to feedback about our original approved plans, we realised many local people interested in Astley Point prefer houses to apartments, so we decided to change our plans to make sure we provide homes local people will want to live in.

    “Our architects Cartwright and Gross have created a truly exciting scheme for the site which will set the new homes and leisure opportunities in stunning landscaped surroundings informed by the local heritage, history and countryside.

    “We’ve received a significant amount of interest from people wishing to live at Astley Point and also had a huge amount of interest in our commercial leisure space.  I hope to be able to announce our first operators very soon.”

    Councillor David Molyneux, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said:  “The population of Wigan Borough is growing, in fact by 2026 it’s predicted we’ll need an extra 13,500 homes to keep up with demand. Wigan Council is committed to ensuring we have enough homes for local residents and so we are pleased that this application, in the popular village of Astley has been given the green light. The high quality development will not only bring new homes to Astley, but will also create over 70 new jobs. I look forward to seeing the scheme take shape.”

    Salcaul Limited is making a £9 million investment into the development and envisages over 70 new permanent jobs will be created at Astley Point.  The Environment Partnership has developed the landscape designs while planning advice was provided by Euan Kellie Property Solutions.

    Salcaul Limited is a joint venture between Salboy and Redwaters and has been set up specifically to deliver Astley Point.  Salboy, is a company owned by Fred Done and Simon Ismail who develop schemes throughout the UK.

    Simon Ismail said: “This is the first project we have undertaken in Astley and we are really looking forward to producing a first class development that will provide much needed facilities for the local area.”

    Redwaters is a privately owned property development business based in Astley that has been building homes in the North West for nearly 40 years.  During this time it has forged a reputation for high quality bespoke schemes with a particular emphasis on the Astley area with the most recent projects being Astley Brook and Chaddock Hall.

    Anyone wishing to register interest in buying a home at Astley Point should visit www.astleypoint.com

    News of the planning permission was covered in regional press including Insider and Leigh Journal.

  2. Charity football match raises £11k for Factory Youth Zone

    On a cold and drizzly November day, two teams made up from Manchester’s business and property industry gathered together to play a special MUFC v MCFC match at Altrincham Football Club.  The game raised £11,000 for The Factory Youth Zone, the charity which provides support for disadvantaged young people from Manchester.

    Working with children and young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs), The Factory Youth Zone offers a wide range of activities including sports, arts, youth work sessions and specialist workshops with the aim of improving the lives of local young people in one of the most deprived areas of the UK.

    With over 1,000 young people attending each week, their iconic building provides a base for exciting and stimulating learning which introduces new experiences, develops self-confidence, builds healthy relationships, raises aspirations and prepares young people for work and independence.

    Richard Marsh, chief executive, Factory Youth Zone said: “It’s terrific to see the guys putting on their boots and giving their time to help raise funds.  It costs £1.2 million per year to keep our doors open so support like this is vital to the much needed work we do.

    “I’ve got to say a huge thanks to Gary Neville and Dennis Tueart for generously giving their time to coach the teams; also to Altrincham Football Club and everyone who took part in the match.

    Gary Neville’s MUFC side were soundly beaten 6-1 by Dennis Tueart’s Manchester City team, you can watch the highlights of the day here

    Team players included: Andrew Cowell, OBI Property; Rob Cotton, NCC Group; Steve Bartlett, Social Chain; Alex Russell, Property Alliance Group: Chris Davis, MoneyPlus Group and Gary Tipper, Palatine Private Equity.

    Will Lewis, director, OBI Property said:  “Factory Youth Zone is fantastic operation providing much needed support to many young people and I am really pleased the game raised so much for the charity.  Looking forward to next year’s rematch.”

  3. UBM moves into Acresfield

    Today OBI Property announced international business to business marketing and events company UBM is to relocate its Manchester office from Portland Street into 5,205sq ft at Acresfield, St Anns Square.  The space is on the first floor and has been taken on a ten year lease with a break in year five at £18.50 per sq ft.

    UBM is bringing its team of 52 into one space at Acresfield from the previous two separate offices they occupied in 113-115, Portland Street.

    OBI Property acted for Aberdeen Asset Management, while Andrew Rands from JLL acted for UBM.

    Andrew Rands, JLL said: “Acresfield represents good value in an established city centre location. The building was an ideal fit for UBM to bring its Manchester team together into one space. The building creates a fantastic first impression to visitors and staff members alike.”

    Richard Lace, transactions and asset management team, OBI Property said:  “Acresfield has recently attracted some fantastic new occupiers and there are now only two suites of 1,767 sq ft and 6,116 sq ft remaining.  The combination of modern workspace, unique break-out facilities and central location make Acresfield stand out from the competition and we expect to announce further deals in the next few weeks.”

    Savills are joint leasing agents on Acresfield with OBI Property.

    UBM’s moves to Acresfield was covered by Place North West, Manchester Evening News and Insider.

     

  4. Work continues at pace to the fountain at Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester

    Photographs taken on site at Piccadilly Gardens last week show the seven ton, pre-cast concrete new roof sections for the reconstructed water tank beneath the fountain being craned into position.

    With the roof securely on the water tank, work will now begin to reinstate the fountain and the project, which started on site in September this year, should be complete in early 2017.

    Salford based demolition and civil engineering specialist PP O’Connor removed the original water tank and cast the new water tank for principal contractor Henry Boot Construction, on behalf of Manchester City Council.

    Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council said: “It’s fantastic to see such great progress being made at Piccadilly Gardens and now the new water tank is in position, we’re on the home stretch to bringing the fountain back.”

    Charmaine O’Connor, chief executive, PP O’Connor said:  “I am pleased with the progress we’ve made at Piccadilly Gardens and look forward to seeing the fountain back in use next year.”