Monday
May 12th
Home 
News Local News Tower blocks transformed
News Local News Tower blocks transformed | Tower blocks transformed |
|
|
| Written by Chris | |
| Sunday, 20 May 2007 | |
 The Freshfields development Prices for the flats in Charlestown start at £69,950 for a one-bedroom property or £89,000 for a two-bedroom apartment which is well below the stamp duty threshold. The high rise flats are being converted by LPC Living who boast that the properties are high specification with 'an impressive design' at prices they say are pitched at a level to attract single first-time buyers. In fact LPC Living say all properties in the block with less than a £100,000 price tag will be reserved exclusively for key workers and first time buyers. Such constraints are supposedly aimed at discouraging speculators from snapping up cheap flats during development schemes, renting them out in the short term and flogging them off at a fat profit at the first opportunity. The developers say that, in their previous developments, more than two thirds of buyers are owner-occupiers with the majority being first-time buyers with an average age of 26. Award-winning LPC Living pride themselves as pioneers and experts in developments that regenerate and develop local communities and cite the Charlestown flats, renamed Freshfields, as a prime example of their work. The 90 one, two, and three bed homes all include secure parking and, say the developers, have 'stylish' kitchens and bathrooms, electric gates to the car park, 24 hour CCTV and concierge services. The 'impressive range of services' available to purchasers include an 'exclusive' residents’ gymnasium. The sales pitch emphasises the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and Heaton Park, although there is no mention of the much closer Boggart Hole Clough, as well as good transport links and proximity to Manchester's vibrant city centre just 15 minutes away. A similar scheme in Blackley was completed about two years ago and bill boards outside those flats on the Riverdale estate show that a number have still not sold. Adverts in local estate agents indicate that at least some that were bought are already back on the market. Despite this, the developer is confident that the Freshfields flats will go like hot cakes if their past experience is anything to go by. Their schemes generally, they say, sell out within three months of being launched. Jonathan Drake, Sales and Marketing Director for LPC Living, said: “We have been able to find a solution to the problems which first time buyers have and provide a use for disused housing stock, by creating affordable and desirable places to live. “We also believe that using developments such as Freshfields to provide pricing schemes that help first timers up onto the first rung will not only keep the market buoyant, but will also help to regenerate communities like those in North Manchester by bringing new, economically active people into the community to provide a positive contribution to the area.” For further details visit www.freshfieldsmanchester.co.uk. |
|
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Got a story? Get in touch!
Main Menu
| Home |
| News |
| Contact Us |
| Search |