Press Releases: Scandinavian Feel

11th October 2005 : Printing house conversion's Scandinavian feel is scoring in the sales

With the historic Barbourne Works conversion now complete, only three of the 46 apartments in the Scandinavian-esque former Worcester printing works are now available for sale due to a flood of early autumn sales, reports selling agents Knight Frank.

Situated in the established residential district of Barbourne on the outskirts of Worcester city centre, the Grade II listed building started out life in 1898 as a state-of-the-art printing house before Kay & Co clothing manufacturers obtained the landmark building in the 1940's. On acquiring the redundant site, developer Rhys-Davies Homes has created a landscaped sanctuary for residents' communal use. Meanwhile, the use of Finnish grown European Redwood, coloured doors and steel work have led to the high quality development adorn charming Scandinavian design characteristics. 

With only three out of the 46 two-bedroom apartments waiting to be matched with buyers, Knight Frank reports that the affordable pricing strategy that sees values pitched between £132,500 and £182,950, the fact the apartments are ready for immediate occupation and the character-rich qualities of the scheme have all contributed to the popularity of Barbourne Works with Worcester's discerning young homeowners.

Lucy Gibbons, Field Sales Manager at Knight Frank's Worcester office comments: This is one of only a very few newly completed residential schemes in Worcester, so for owner-occupiers not wanting to be reliant on a date set for completion of a build programme or risk moving into their new home whilst work is still in progress, Barbourne Works should be top of the list for viewing.

But whilst the impressively detailed frontage and homely, welcoming atmosphere generated by the new Scandinavian-esque design features sets this conversion apart from any other, what makes Barbourne Works truly special is the fact that only five per cent of the 46 apartments have been purchased for investment. Residents at this scheme can be reassured that their neighbours will be there to stay.

Barbourne Works continues to be one of Worcester's best selling new apartment schemes. However, to coincide with the completion of the building programme, Rhys-Davies Homes is offering purchasers lucrative incentives to entice those in a position to buy to reserve swiftly. £600 towards legal costs, stamp duty paid and a one year mortgage subsidy of  £500 per month is available on the majority of the remaining two-bedroom apartments. 

The apartments feature high ceilings and large original windows, which have been restored to their former glory, ensuring a light and airy living environment. Meanwhile, the specification is stylish and contemporary to reflect the target audience of savvy young apartment dwellers. A fully furnished ground floor show apartment is open daily to enable prospective purchasers to fully appreciate the quality of the finished product.

Due to the nature of a conversion scheme, the majority of the apartments vary in layout and size. However, potential purchasers can view the apartments that are still available for sale in order to select a layout that would best suit their lifestyle.

Prices currently start from £132,500 for a 636 sq ft two bedroom apartment on the ground floor and rise to £182,950 for a stunning penthouse of 921 sq ft. The apartments located on the first, second and penthouse floor benefit from extensive views of Barbourne's sought after residential streets, looking towards the heart of the city and beyond to the Malvern Hills. All of the properties benefit from allocated parking.

Mrs Gibbons added: Due to the high level of foot traffic to the development, I would expect the last three apartments at Barbourne Works to sell in a relatively short timeframe. Whereas this is not unusual for a newly completed scheme - due to the number of purchasers who specifically choose to hold back from making a reservation until they can view their preferred apartment fully completed - you have to make allowances for the slower pace of property transactions this year caused by a UK-wide stabilised housing market. I can certainly say that the sales performance at Barbourne Works is very impressive.

Situated on Northwick Avenue in Barbourne, Barbourne Works' fully furnished show apartment is open daily between 10am - 5pm, telephone 01905 613 786 or for further information, please contact Lucy Gibbons or James Wilson of sole selling agents Knight Frank on 01905 746 888.