Back to News
6 June 2001
Countryside Properties PLC, the developer of residential, commercial property and urban regeneration schemes, announces it has acquired four major brownfield developments in the further expansion of its Residential regional operations. The schemes are located in Manchester, Bristol and West Malling, Kent. The Company will create added value on each of these projects through its proven skills in mixed-use and mixed-tenure development and its ability to create a bespoke solution to every development opportunity. The projects have a projected total completed development value of £156m.
At Booth Street, close to Manchester City Centre, Countryside Properties is proposing to create a landmark mixed-use scheme on a 1.5 acre (0.6 hectare) site fronting onto the River Irwell. Salford City Council has resolved to grant planning permission for four buildings incorporating 282 apartments and penthouses, together with 9,000 sq.ft. of retail space and 19,000 sq.ft. of office accommodation. The site previously housed industrial buildings and more recently has been a car park. It is almost adjacent to Rocco Forte's five star Lowry Hotel and the new Trinity Bridge. A riverside walk will be created linking Blackfriars Bridge and Trinity Bridge. Construction should start in Autumn 2001 with completion expected by 2006. Completed development value is projected to be £53m.
Also within Manchester, the Company is proposing, subject to obtaining planning permission, to build a landmark development of 200 apartments on a 2.3 acre (0.9 hectare) site at Salford Quays. The waterside site fronts onto the former Dock 9, with views of the Lowry Centre and the new Imperial War Museum. Salford City Council has granted outline planning consent for the scheme on previously derelict land. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2002 with completion anticipated by 2006. Completed development value is expected to be £38m.
In the Westbury-on-Trym area to the North of Bristol City centre, the City Council has resolved to grant outline planning permission to Countryside Properties on a 42 acre (17 hectare) site. The parkland location was previously an NHS mental hospital and includes the Repton designed Brentry House. The development will include 210 new and refurbished houses and apartments, of which 30 will be affordable homes for rent and shared ownership. 27 acres of parkland will be retained. Construction is expected to start in September 2001 with completion anticipated in late 2003. Completed development value is projected to be £40m.
Countryside Properties will be developing a further 6.2 acres (2.5 hectares) at Kings Hill in West Malling, Kent for 74 new homes. The Company has recently acquired the site following exercise of an option agreement originally secured in 1993. The site has detailed planning consent from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. The Company has been successfully developing homes for a number of years at the new mixed-use community which was previously an airfield. Construction is expected to start in early June 2001 with completion predicted in September 2003. Completed development value is projected to be £25m.
Commenting Richard Cherry, Group New Business Director, Countryside Properties, said: "It is a reflection of our strong market position, and our skills in mixed-use and mixed-tenure development, that we have secured these significant brownfield schemes in such prominent locations. The excellent progress we are making in our regional operations confirms that we have the expertise and presence necessary to grow them further."
For further information contact:
Richard Cherry, Group New Business Director,
Countryside Properties 01277 260000
Guy Lambert, Corporate Communications Manager,
Countryside Properties 01277 260000
Nick Oborne, Square Mile Communications 020 7601 1000
Back to News
Information correct as at 06/06/2001