May 23 2007
Taylor Woodrow has now officially exchanged contracts to start work at its forthcoming development The Botanic at New Islington, Manchester’s Millennium Community. The Botanic will be built under Taylor Woodrow’s homebuilding brand, Bryant Homes, and has been designed in conjunction with Liverpool based architects shedkm.
In doing so, they have become the first developers to join Urban Splash and its partners New East Manchester and national regeneration agency English Partnerships at the scheme. The agreement means that work can begin in earnest to build the 200 residential apartments, after groundwork teams have been in place preparing the land for construction.
Managing director for Bryant Homes North West, Bob Pickthall, said, “It’s fantastic news that we now have the official go-ahead to progress the project.
“The design of The Botanic offers an interesting and fresh take on urban living, with its juxtaposition of organic and man-made materials – it’s a very ambitious scheme but one which encapsulates the sustainable outlook of New Islington.
“As a company, our commitment to the Millennium Communities programme speaks for itself with involvement in three out of the seven projects, and we support the government’s challenge to create new and sustainable ways of living.”
David Chilton, area director for English Partnerships said, “Offering people in East Manchester the opportunity to live in an exciting development that really makes the most of the surrounding environment will help ensure that residents at New Islington, Manchester’s Millennium Community live truly sustainable lifestyles. As part of our Millennium Communities Programme, we are pleased to be working with Taylor Woodrow on turning the Botanic vision into a reality.”
The Botanic comprises two separate, five and seven storey apartment blocks sitting parallel to each other. In between the two buildings, a communal private garden will be created featuring grassed areas and planted mature trees.
Apartments look out onto the urban oasis from private terraces and the two blocks are linked by tree-lined walkways. Homes also run the depth of the blocks so each apartment has a dual aspect, looking onto both the central garden and the city outside.
Of the 200 homes, the majority are one and two-bedroom apartments, but there are also 35 three-bedroom apartments, measuring over 1,000 sq ft. Many of the homes are duplexes and all feature floor to ceiling windows to make the most of the garden views.
The ground floor of the apartment block is dedicated to commercial space. Bryant plan to launch the development for sale in the summer, while first residents are expected to move in by early 2009.
For further details on The Botanic visit www.bryant.co.uk/northwest for more general details about Bryant Homes developments in the North West.
The Botanic is part of New Islington, Manchester’s Millennium Community, which in turn is one of English Partnerships’ seven Millennium Communities. New Islington is a partnership between national regeneration agency English Partnerships, Urban Splash and New East Manchester Ltd together with appointed social landlord, Manchester Methodist Housing Association. The 29 acre site, just east of Manchester city centre is being radically transformed to a strategic and ambitious vision created by Will Alsop. A new canal and water park, over 1700 new homes, office space, a school, a health clinic, shops, bars and restaurants are planned to be created, using the worlds best architecture. www.newislington.co.uk.