Press Releases: Worcester Conversion

2nd July 2004: Latest conversion of historical Worcester landmark launched to market

Worcester's leading new homes specialist Knight Frank has brought the latest conversion of one of Worcester's landmark buildings to the booming new homes marketplace. Barbourne Works, the former office building of clothing manufacturers Kays, will be transformed into a luxury apartment scheme.

Situated on Northwick Avenue in Barbourne, just north of Worcester city centre, the restoration project will comprise 46 two bedroomed apartments and is being developed by Rhys-Davies Properties Ltd. The conversion of the building will retain the striking 19th Century facade of the building (which will undergo a full renovation), while the apartments will benefit from high ceilings and large original windows, ensuring a light and airy environment alongside an excellent, modern specification.

Offering better value for money than many apartments situated within Worcester's city centre boundary, Knight Frank has already built up an extensive database of registered enquiries and predicts that with prices starting from £132,500 Barbourne Works will appeal to first and second time buyers seeking apartment living with a difference.

Neil Kentish, Sales Manager with Knight Frank commented: "Worcester's city living phenomenon is growing from strength to strength and because of the huge pent up demand from people looking to relocate to the area, property prices have accelerated beyond the average for the region. Due to their rarity and character rich details, apartment properties that are most in demand are conversions of historic landmarks that reflect Worcester's heritage as a vibrant commercial city."

Neil Kentish continued: "The conversion of Barbourne Works - the former Kay's office will be a great addition to Worcester's apartments market because the developer is not only painstakingly restoring the building to its former glory, but sensitively adapting the interior to the needs of modern day living. The new apartments will feature high ceilings, large windows and original architectural details combined with a brand-led contemporary specification that will be the envy of any savvy city dweller."

Barbourne Works is developer Rhys-Davies Homes' first project in Worcester, which is building on the success of its portfolio of schemes in Wales. The site is located on Northwick Avenue, off the A38 Ombersley Road, providing easy links to regional towns including Birmingham, which is also easily accessible via junction six of the M5 motorway. Northwick is an established residential area, approximately one mile to the north of the city centre and less than half a mile from the River. Within the immediate vicinity there are numerous convenience stores, as well as recreational facilities such as the Cannons Health Club, a squash club and Raven Meadow Golf Club.

Chris Hemming of Rhys-Davies Homes, said: "We had been looking for a site in the Worcestershire area for some time to invest in, however, it was essential to find the right property and location that would enable us to create a niche product designed to appeal to discerning purchasers. Being situated in Northwick, Barbourne Works will complement the new influx of city centre apartments in Worcester, and even though the costs to refurbish a building like this are much higher than with new build projects, we have set out to offer a premium product priced to undercut its rivals in the city core."

Knight Frank is confident that the contemporary specification, which has been implemented with style and imagination, will woo purchasers who are frequently influenced by the look of aspirational showhomes. An onsite marketing suite displaying all the elements that will be used in the apartment interiors will be opened imminently for the benefit of potential purchasers.

Dependant on the build programme, purchasers at Barbourne Works will have an extensive choice of fully fitted kitchen, tiling and flooring.