Press Releases: Barbourne Launch

6th October 2004: First time buyers form a queue on Barbourne Works launch day

The latest addition to Worcester's booming apartment living market has finally answered the prayers of buyers looking to make the first steps onto the property ladder, reports leading residential agents Knight Frank.

Barbourne Works, a Grade II listed architectural landmark situated on the outskirts of Worcester city centre is being converted into 46 character rich two bedroom apartments by Rhys-Davies Homes. Formerly occupied by clothing manufacturer Kays, this sympathetic conversion scheme is providing first time buyers with one of the only opportunities to get a foot on the property ladder in central Worcester for under £150,000.

Lucy Gibbons, Sales Manager for Knight Frank's Worcester office comments: Over 30 first time buyers visited Barbourne Works on the launch weekend, with a queue forming on the first morning to view the show home. As a result, six of the apartments have already been reserved and many more young buyers are now in the process of confirming mortgage lending levels in order to proceed with a sale.

Although Worcester has a number of new luxury apartments, the vast majority are only affordable to well-heeled buyers, whilst soaring capital growth has also resulted in small houses being priced beyond the reach of many budding homeowners. These factors have not only seen the launch of Barbourne Works kick off to a flying start, but it may also mean that many future residents at Barbourne Works could be like-minded young professionals. This landmark scheme for Worcester is not only breathing life back into an important historical building, it could also become an important vehicle to enable the city's young generation to own their first home.  

Situated on Northwick Avenue in Barbourne, the restoration programme will see the building's striking 19th Century facade being brought back to its former glory as well as ensuring the large feature windows are restored to their original specification. The apartments will also benefit from high ceilings ensuring a light and airy environment combined with a high quality, contemporary interior. A fully furnished ground floor show apartment is now open daily to enable prospective purchasers to fully appreciate the quality of the finished product.

Prices in the first release start from £132,500 for a 606 sq ft two bedroom apartment on the first floor and rise to £249,500 for a stunning penthouse offering over double the space at a breathtaking 1,455 sq ft. The apartments located on the first, second and penthouse floor benefit from extensive views of Barbourne's sought residential streets, looking towards the heart of the city. All of the properties are being sold with allocated parking and first completions are expected for Spring 2005.

Barbourne Works is developer Rhys-Davies Homes' first project in Worcester, which is building on the success of its portfolio of schemes in Wales. Chris Hemming, Managing Director said: We have been concentrating on constructing family homes in recent years, so it's hugely rewarding to work on a conversion project as spectacular as this. We are now over half way through the build programme and you can clearly see the space and light that will be enjoyed by each apartment.  

As a purpose built office building, we acquired Barbourne Works with vast floorplates that spanned across each floor. Now, however, the centre section has been carved out of the building to expose a new residents courtyard, which will become the focal point of the scheme. This residential conversion will not only feature character rich details such as 19th Century warehouse style windows, but will also combine innovative architectural design elements to ensure the apartments have timeless appeal.

Dependant on the build programme, purchasers will have a choice of units, worktops, tiling and flooring in the kitchen area as well as a choice of carpets and wood flooring options for the living areas.

The fully furnished show apartment is open daily between 10am - 5pm, telephone 01905 613 786 or for further information, please contact Lucy Gibbons of sole selling agents Knight Frank on 01905 746 888.