Press Releases: Worcester Warehouse

3rd February 2005: New community lies in the wait for converted Worcester warehouse

As the final stage of the build programme gets underway at a former Kay's catalogue warehouse on the outskirts of Worcester city centre, leading residential agent Knight Frank reveals that its 19th century character is luring more than just the targeted single young professional audience.

Barbourne Works - Rhys-Davies Homes' Grade II listed apartment conversion has already matched buyers with in excess of 50 per cent of the 46 unique two-bedroomed homes, which are currently taking shape on Northwick Avenue in the established residential district of Barbourne. Knight Frank reports that with prices still pitched at an affordable starting level of £132,500, the sympathetic conversion scheme is currently proving to be Worcester's fastest selling residential scheme.

So as purchasers lie in the wait of the development's March completion, Sindy Woodhouse, explains why she selected Barbourne Works as the new home for her and her four-year-old son Jake: Having to juggle a young son and a full-time job, I have spent a considerable amount of time searching for the perfect home for Jake and myself. I work in Birmingham and have lived all over the Midlands but Worcester has always been a place I am drawn to due to its open space and riverside location. 

Once I had decided on Worcester I looked at all types of houses but in the end I was won over by Barbourne Works' atmospheric character.  I felt instantly that the apartment's sash windows, high ceilings, extensive communal courtyard and a stunning view that spans right over to the Malvern Hills would easily provide the most inspirational living environment my budget could stretch to.  When we move in this Spring I will be able to swap garden and property maintenance in return for extra quality time with Jake in this spacious, single storey home. Although I never thought I would live in an apartment with a young child, I honestly believe I couldn't have chosen a more appropriate new home.

Situated within moments of The Tything, an arterial route into Worcester's cathedral city, Barbourne Works' restoration programme has already seen the building's striking 19th century facade being brought back to its former glory. The large feature windows are also being restored to their original specification, ensuring a light and airy environment combined with a high quality, contemporary interior. A fully furnished ground floor show apartment is open daily to enable prospective purchasers to fully appreciate the quality of the finished product.

Prices currently start from £132,500 for a 606 sq ft two bedroom apartment on the first floor and rise to £199,500 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 are being sold with allocated parking and the 46 apartments are expected to reach build completion at virtually the same time, minimising any disruption to the first residents moving in.

Lucy Gibbons, Sales Manager for Knight Frank's Worcester office comments: Even prior to the completion of the build programme, prospective purchasers are able to fully soak up the atmosphere of this 19th century landmark. So since the start of the year we have conducted over 10 tours a week around the building to enable visitors to visualise the distinct qualities of each unique apartment, which has seen the high sales rate escalate even further. 

All 46 apartments at Barbourne Works are due for completion in March/April, so this is the perfect time for owner-occupier purchasers to place a reservation and plan for an imminent move-in date. And, given the scheme's location on the outskirts of the city, Barbourne Works is proving immensely popular with a whole range of future residents who crave the space and character of a loft style apartment without paying the premium prices of living in an inner-city WR1 location. 

Developer Rhys-Davies Homes has ensured that even as the build programme comes to a conclusion, many new purchasers will have a choice of units, worktops, tiling and flooring in the kitchen and tiling in the bathroom areas as well as a choice of carpets and wood flooring options for the living areas.

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 of sole selling agents Knight Frank on 01905 746 888.