The Botanic Is A Real Grower

A few years ago, Ancoats was the butt end of the city centre; run down, crime-ridden and crumbling. But it’s amazing what some serious developer investment can do for an area- and its phoenix-like ascent is complete, with the recent opening of Bryant Homes’ much-anticipated development, The Botanic, at New Islington.
Unlike other city centre developments, which bang up breezeblocks in concrete wastelands, The Botanic’s apartments all have floor to ceiling windows to maximise the lovely views .
Built around a private internal garden, with mature trees, plants and grassy areas, the two parallel apartment blocks look down into this ‘secret oasis,’ while the balconies are also planted to create a green ‘waterfall’ effect down the modern buildings.
Despite the high spec, one-bed apartments start at £130 950, going up to £230 950 for a three-bed apartment. There are also two-beds with ensuite available (from £166 950) while a two-bed duplex starts at £194 500. The developers are evidently keen to attract a mix of residents, and are already welcoming both owner-occupiers and investors.
“We’re delighted with the amount of people coming through the doors so far,” says regional Sales Manager, Dianne Sheerin. “ We always knew this was going to be a big pull for owner occupiers because of the unique design, and the community aspect.”

There are 200 apartments, with one and two-beds in the majority- but 25 are pure luxury, three bedroom living spaces measuring almost 100 square feet each. They also look onto both the garden and the cityscape- because The Botanic is just a five minute stroll from the bars, shops and restaurants of the city centre.
But while that’s attractive, the planned New Islington development will be a mini-town in itself, with a new canal and waterpark, over 1700 new homes, offices, a school, clinic, and its own shops and restaurants.
“We feel The Botanic really stands out from the crowd,” adds Dianne Sheerin, “because of its innovative design, contemporary structures and organic greenery, and its fantastic location on the New Islington Millennium Community site.”
The area will have pedestrian areas, waterways, green spaces and suspended walkways between the buildings. But Bryant have thought beyond “rural idyll” and there’s also a hidden undercroft with parking spaces for residents.
And while inside, interiors are finished to a high, contemporary standard, the focus is also on renewable resources, including recycling facilities, a water collection system and plants native to the UK. Even the building has been constructed using 50% less energy than average- so all your ethical questions are resolved.
With light-filled interiors, and beautiful trees, gardens and balcony planters, The Botanic offers the best of green living- in every sense.

Call 0161 236 6249
Email sales-12090@taylorwimpey.com

the botanic
New Union Street
Manchester
M4 6HW

Read Full Post »

Lynne Boothroyd is a consultant for Money and Mortgages (www.moneyandmortgages.org), and specialises in investment purchases for the residential market. Here, she guides you through the Manchester property maze…

1.I’m looking to buy my first property in the city centre, but I’m worried that my apartment will lose value if house prices plummet. Which areas should I be looking in, and is now a good time to buy?

It’s definitely a buyers’ market and you should look to negotiate on every available property, new or re-sale. In the city centre, prices vary greatly so I’d strongly advise you to assess your budget and pinpoint areas under development- the Ancoats area is undergoing huge regeneration and will connect to Metrolink, which is always a good investment detail. Scan local websites to find forthcoming development plans. If you’re looking to purchase re-sale in an established part of town, you need to keep the property for at least three years, to allow Manchester property to establish itself fully. The main thing is to hunt for the bargains, they’re definitely out there!

2. I want to sell my 2 bed apartment in Salford Quays; but I don’t really understand the HIP situation- I’ve got a mate who’s interested, so do I still need to bother with all that and spend hundreds of pounds, if she’s happy to do a deal without it?

It’s hugely important to remember ALL properties must have a HIP in place to sell. A good solicitor or HIP provider will organise this for you, however, the HIP must be commissioned, paid for and equipped with a case number before your apartment can be placed on the market. Therefore EVERY vendor must have a HIP, even if selling to a relative or colleague.

3. I was thinking about buying to let in East Manchester, but now we’re not getting the Supercasino, do you think that’s a bad idea- and if so, where else should I look to get maximum value for money?

Due diligence is the key to purchasing in the city centre and East Manchester – along with having a good head for bargains! It may seem obvious that the price you purchase a property at determines what return you will get – but always keep that in mind to help give you the confidence for hard negotiation, which is even more appropriate in today’s buyer’s market. East Manchester is a regeneration area and as long as you’re willing to hold onto your prospective property for a couple of years – now is the perfect time to purchase!

4. I’m shopping around for a cheaper mortgage, and have seen some fairly favourable deals- but can you explain how interest rates might affect any special offers over the next year, and should I stick with my fixed-rate mortgage?

If you’re thinking of changing your mortgage, then you have to weigh up the total cost of moving, which includes checking out the penalties on your existing mortgage – some penalty clauses can make it very expensive. The general consensus, (although you can never be 100 per cent sure), is that rates are likely to come down again this year. If you have a tracker or discounted mortgage you’ll obviously see the full benefit of any rate reduction, so bear in mind that a quarter of a percent interest rate cut saves around £20 a month on £100k. That said, fixed rate mortgages have their own pros and cons, but the main one is budgeting – you have a nailed on cost for your monthly outgoings which, of course, can be very useful.

Read Full Post »

When it comes to Eco Homes the developer Seddon are looking to set a new benchmark for what eco home should be here in the North West. Their ID Generation Eco Build Homes are a new concept in housing by taking the best traditions of the past and blending them with modern construction methods they are now creating the sustainable living of tomorrow. The developer’s ethos on this project was to offer buyers a fusion of environmentally sensitive construction, recyclable energy sources and forward thinking design.

Heywood Gardens is a development of ten traditional three and four-bedroom homes transforming the Brownfield site upon which it stands. ID has incorporated traditional energy saving measures, such as highly improved insulation at all levels, as well as more contemporary features including a heat recovery ventilation system that will provide unique, highly efficient and sustainable homes. Incorporating a variety of cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly design features, the homes will ensure buyers save money and help the planet at the same time.

Interior walls will use Structural Insulated Panels with excellent insulating properties, meaning considerable energy and heating savings. Domestic wind turbines will produce electricity to supplement mains use for some of the properties whilst solar roof panels will contribute to hot water production by up to 30% on the others.

Advanced heat recovery ventilation systems will save on energy required for heating the properties by re-circulating clean, warm, recycled air. Low energy lighting and super-insulated hot water tanks sit alongside other innovations such as water management systems for taps, dual flush toilets and water restricted radiators that save on water and energy bills.

Organic paint with no polluting toxins or solvents will be used on all interior and exterior surfaces. Doors, fascias and other fittings will be made from timber that comes from proven sustainable sources and fruit trees will be planted to the rear gardens to enhance species levels and encourage bio-diversity.

Prestwich is a desirable area outside of the city due to its excellent transport links to the city by car, bus and tram and links to the motorway network. The area also boasts beautiful parks like Heaton Park and some great restaurants and bars as well as independent shops and local supermarkets. For those of you who are looking to make their life and home more eco friendly this could be the perfect place for you but as always a development like this comes at a cost, so it may not be suitable for those
on a budget.

spec

Developer Name:
Inspired Developments

Development Name:
Heywood Gardens

Location:
Heywood Road, Prestwich

Prices From:
£245, 000

Storage:
Specialist sliding robes in master bedroom, Storage cupboard in master bedroom,
Utility room

Appliances:
A rated energy efficient white goods, Stainless steel oven, gas hob, chimney extractor hood, Integrated fridge freezer, Dishwasher option as extra

Security:
Video entry phone system

Parking:
Secure garage to all houses.

Bedrooms: 3/4

Size: 1200 sq ft

No. of apartments in building:
10 houses in the development.

Completion Date:
September 2007

Tenure: Freehold

Contact Details:
Tel: 0161 796 6777
Web: id4living.com

Read Full Post »

Developer: West Properties

Development Name: Origin

Location: On junction of Whitworth Street and
Princess Street, ‘Village’ quarter

West Properties are already renowned in Manchester for the quality of their developments, so it was only fitting that they teamed up with the city’s top architect Ian Simpson on their new city centre development Origin. This is the third development for West in the city; the first two being Lumière and Skyline Central. So, with Origin being their third development and this site boasting three towers, could three really be the magic number for West?

Although Origin is seen as a landmark development situated on one of the last prime real-estate plots in the city, it has not been an easy ride for those involved. Firstly being located within the Whitworth Street Conservation Area caused some problems during the planning application process, which happily they have overcome; but the local ‘Village’ residents have been up in arms about such a huge development overshadowing the canal street area. With things now moving forward to hit the proposed 2010 completion date, that’s just something they are going to live with.

So what can people expect from this development? First off this is West’s first multi use development which not only will house 180 apartments but also; 62,000 sq ft of office space, ground level retail premises, cafes, restaurants, an art gallery and a four star boutique hotel.

The development will consist of three buildings that were conceived by Ian Simpson Architects as three jewel-like sculptural forms. Each will incorporate full-height glass panels and solid panels whose colour and textural qualities will marry that of the adjacent historic buildings – which the architect hopes will create a contemporary reinterpretation of the red Victorian brickwork and stone dressings that are a strong characteristic within the conservation area.

Positioned on the Whitworth Street frontage the tallest of the three buildings will be the residential building. As we have come to expect from West there are a few special features which include a fully equipped health and fitness studio to be found on the 17th floor, whilst on the 18th floor will boast possibly one of the city’s most impressive penthouses.This site benefits from an amazing location and represents a fantastic opportunity. West Properties had to come up with something bold to do it justice – and it appears they have
done just that.

Read Full Post »

Developer: Countryside Properties

Development Name: Sportcity

Location: New East Manchester

Prices from: £132,953

Sportcity is the development spearheading the planned £2 billion revival of New East Manchester. The Sportcity complex has been in development for many years now, but what many people don’t realise is that the development is family homes as well as apartments.

What Countryside Properties have tried to achieve is a complex which holds a unique blend of modern apartments and family homes all situated along the Ashton Canal and next to the City of Manchester Stadium.

The growing facilities in the area is proof of the continued development of New East Manchester. There is the established Asda Wallmart store, the new super casino announcement and of course the future Metrolink which will stop outside the neighbouring Asda Wallmart.In the new phase of the development which has been recently released, The Drum will house 130 two bedroom apartments and its eye catching cylindrical design certainly is a bold statement in comparison to the straight lines of the earlier phase of the scheme. Sportcity also offers a refreshing approach to city living by creating 73 high specification contemporary three bedroom homes providing a ready-made family environment, complete with gardens and parking facilities. Where homes on the development back onto the Ashton Canal the architect has created balconies on the master bedrooms with views over the canal.

In both the apartments and homes, the kitchen and dining areas have crisp and clean lines, stainless steel appliances, laminate worktops, and classic white bathroom suites come complete with chrome fittings to create a modern look. All new houses come with a ready laid lawn and the apartments benefit from communal green areas that are landscaped for residents to enjoy.

For Countryside Properties, sustainability is at the forefront of the development of these new homes and being able to limit the environmental and social impacts of these properties is all part of the Ecohomes strategy. This offers the benefits of reduced running costs through greater energy and water efficiency. All the properties are rated as EcoHomes Good with high performance UPVC windows and doors and Grade A appliances throughout. One factor potential buyers need to be aware of is the continued development and construction that will be taking place in the area for years to come. That includes construction of the site itself, the new Metrolink line and the super casino.

Countryside Properties is also providing the English Partnership’s First Time Buyers Initiative which allows first time buyers and key workers to purchase their first home at an affordable price and on a shared equity basis.

Read Full Post »

DEVELOPMENT, MILLINERS WHARF
DEVELOPER, CITY LOFTS

We all know by now that Ancoats is the hot place to buy at the moment and City Lofts are yet another developer to announce a new development in the area. We get the feeling it could get crowded up there but with all the developments being so individual, they all certainly have their own appeal. The area has been described as the ‘town in the city’ incorporating 50 acres of land centered around the Ashton Canal. Once complete Ancoats will host hotels, shops, health and leisure centres, apartments, commercial space plus upgraded road access and a Metrolink tram extension.

Continue Reading »

Read Full Post »