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Manchester-based property developer and investor Nikal Ltd are developing the Cathedral Park site and will deliver the new eco friendly office, designed by Bath architects Stubbs Rich.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 29 to commemorate building contractor McLaren starting construction. Flourish Homes staff, board members and residents joined Nikal and McLaren to watch as the diggers moved in.

The housing provider currently has about 200 staff. Around half of these work at its Shepton Mallet offices and will move to the new building at Cathedral Park during Spring 2011.

Flourish Homes owns and manages more than 4,000 properties in Wells, Frome, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Street and surrounding villages so a move to Cathedral Park creates a more central and accessible location for its residents.

“It’s great to see work starting on our new offices at Cathedral Park in Wells. We’re really looking forward to welcoming our residents into new accessible offices that will have some fantastic sustainable features and be a great place to work for staff,” said Alan Brunt, Managing Director of Flourish Homes which is a member of the Aster Group.

“Wells is very central to our ‘patch’ and we hope the new offices will prove much easier for residents to get to. And with much better meeting space we’re looking forward to hosting larger consultation events which means we won’t need to hire external rooms as we’ve done in the past.”

Jonny Wrigley, Director at Nikal Limited added: “We’re delighted to welcome Flourish Homes to Cathedral Park and, as our first occupier, we hope this exceptionally high quality and environmentally friendly building will be the stimulus for further development activity on the site.”





The new office has a host of eco-friendly features:

• The back of the building will be a wall of glass to allow plenty of natural light into the building. Windows in the roof above a floor to roof staircase in the middle of the building will increase natural light, cutting down on the need for artificial lighting.

• High ceilings and the open stairwell will ensure natural ventilation through the main office floor (which is on the first floor) so that air conditioning will not be needed in the building. The building will purge heat during the night from rooftop vents during the summer.

• Rainwater will be collected to flush WCs which will also have low-flow water devices to cut down on water use.

• Solar panels will heat water for handbasins and showers, which will be useful for people cycling to work or who want to use the new staff mini-gym to encourage fit and healthy employees.

• A green transport plan is to be drawn up to encourage staff to use other forms of transport or to car-share. The new office is near to a bus stop on Glastonbury Road and will have bike racks.

• The building will use a ground source heating system which harnesses the earth’s underground heat to warm the building. This process can also be reversed and used to cool the building in summer which means no need for air-conditioning. These types of system can save up to 40 percent of a building’s carbon emissions by not using fossil fuels.

• The building will be super-insulated so that it cuts down on heat loss during the winter.

Ends
For further information, please contact:
Pauline Davey, Media and PR Officer for Flourish Homes on:
01749 334322
pdavey@flourishhomes.co.uk

Flourish Homes is a non-profit making housing association that owns and manages more than 4,000 properties in Frome, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Street and well as 51 villages across central Somerset. It was set up 2001 as Mendip Housing to take over the housing stock of Mendip District Council and now has no more connections with the council. It changed its name to Flourish Homes in December 2009.

The association is based in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, and provides quality affordable housing for local people of all age groups. It also seeks to help develop the communities where its houses can be found. Tenants play a significant part in its work through a network of consultation groups, including local tenant forums. They seek to represent the views of tenants and work to improve the communities where they live.

Flourish Homes is also a major provider of care and support services across the region, both to tenants and other local residents, and works closely with Somerset Support People Team, Social Services and Mendip Primary Care Trust.

Services include a full maintenance service with 24-hour emergency response and a 24-hour monitored helpline service used by more than 1,000 members of the local community.

It is a member of the Aster Group – an umbrella group which brings together like-minded housing associations across the South and South West of England to work together.]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=24 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=24 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:14:55 BST Speed is the Key to continued Birmingham growth

Despite being tainted by funding concerns, the shock of the proposed site of the HS2 station and the uncertainty over how approval will be processed through Parliament, Lord Adonis’ High Speed Rail Report was much welcome news to all those who have a stake in promoting Birmingham, according to GVA Grimley.

While the redevelopment of New Street Station and the development of the new Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square are highly important projects for the city, High Speed Rail represents a fundamental new future.
Since Lord Adonis’ highly anticipated 152 page High Speed Rail Report became a public document on March 11, it is now the biggest story for Birmingham. With the recent improvements to the West Coast Mainline, the journey time between Birmingham New Street and Euston station in central London is 1 hour 24 minutes. However, HS2 will reduce the travel time to approximately 40 minutes, making half-day trips and daily commuting to London highly viable. HS2 will ensure central Birmingham is more quickly accessible to central London than many of the outer London boroughs serviced by the underground.

Ian Stringer, regional senior director of GVA Grimley, said: “What comes through very clearly in Lord Adonis’ report is that the business case is very convincing, which is tremendous news for the growth of Birmingham’s economy. HS2 will further position Birmingham as a more attractive location for inward investment, job creation and economic prosperity throughout the remainder of the 21st Century.

“Despite comments about construction and engineering costs for major infrastructure projects being cheaper in mainland Europe than the UK, the estimated £17.4billion cost to deliver high speed rail between London and Birmingham will generate £2 worth of benefit and investment for every £1 spent. The further research currently being undertaken by HS2 Ltd into the prospect of extending the line north into Manchester, Leeds and then Scotland is expected to conclude that an even greater return on investment will be realised by lengthening the line.

“Not only do the numbers stack up, but the sustainability factors are very impressive too. There is extensive proof in mainland Europe and Japan that high speed rail takes journeys away from the roads and aviation. In terms of capacity, up to 18 trains per hour could run between London to Birmingham, each carrying up to 1,100 passengers.

“Through the compelling economic benefits and by utilising state of the art trains and electric power, the advantages of operating HS2 will more than compensate for the inevitable and unfortunate environmental costs of creating a new train line from Euston, through Ruislip and the North Chilterns – following the route of the A413 – into central Birmingham via Water Orton.

“The timing of Adonis’ Report being published was not ideal, given the imminence of the 6th May General Election. H2S appears to have wide cross party support, but there are differences over the detail, such as the proposed route the new train line will take. HS2 Ltd has recommended a route which would cross parts of the Chilterns’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Putting to one side the impact the General Election may have on Adonis’ Report and recommendations, the timeline proposed to take HS2 forward is to go out to consultation on the London to Birmingham segment of HS2 this autumn. A special Hybrid Bill will be proposed to Parliament to gain approval, and subject to approval, construction work will not commence until the Cross Rail line through London is completed in 2017. If construction work on HS2 does starts in 2017, the line will be operational by circa 2026.

Stephen Hollowood, executive director of GVA Grimley and head of the regional planning, development and regeneration team, added: “Whilst the 15 year lead-in for HS2 to be operational is to be expected, a shorter lead-in would be welcomed given the anticipated economic benefits to the region. This is a once in a century opportunity to transform travel between the UK’s core cities, but it cannot be achieved over night. In fact, apart from the Channel Tunnel HS1 line and Cross Rail, the UK hasn’t created any major new rail lines for over a hundred years. The UK has significantly lagged behind mainland Europe and Japan in connecting major cities through high speed rail, so it is tremendous news that HS2 is now at a detailed stage, awaiting public consultation.

“For many, the main areas of interest will be the recommended route of the new rail line between central London and central Birmingham and the proposed location of the HS2 stations. The high speed trains will be 400 metres long, meaning even with the improvements currently being made to Birmingham New Street, the station does not have the capacity to accommodate HS2. A HS2 station for central Birmingham has been proposed at the site of the disused Curzon Street station at Eastside. However, the size of the station building, concourse and platforms, together with the continuation of the rail track towards London will take up a large proportion of the land at Eastside earmarked for future development.”

“Birmingham City Council’s new City Park, Curzon Gateway – a recently completed 750-bed student housing block by Unite, Quintain’s City Park Gate development, Birmingham City University’s proposed 370,000 sq ft city campus and Curzon Street – a mixed-use development by Development Securities and Grainger – are all affected by the proposed location of the HS2 station for central Birmingham. The scheme will have major long term benefits for the Eastside regeneration area and beyond. However, in the short to medium term, the Government will need to consider carefully the impact of the proposed infrastructure on key development sites.

“I have no doubt that discussions between HS2 Ltd, Birmingham City Council, Advantage West Midlands and these developers will have already begun, particularly in connection with Birmingham City University, who had secured planning permission and were proposing an imminent start on the first phase of their new city campus.”

Masshouse - a capital connection

While politicians are ever keen to minimise the effects of the ‘north/south divide’, does the debate need to commence in force about whether connecting London to Birmingham through high speed rail will help to combat the issue, questions Nick Payne from Masshouse Developments Ltd.

A s a principle, new investment in significant infrastructure Aprojects is always to be welcomed. As the developer of Mass - house, we have a tremendous amount to be excited about following the publication of Lord Adonis’ High Speed Rail Report last month. The proposed High Speed Rail station for central Birmingham will be situated within a minute’s walk of our scheme, meaning that both residents and office occupiers will be able to get to central London within about 40 minutes. However, is there a risk that the major benefits will be greater felt in the capital, than in Birmingham, or Leeds and Manchester, where it is anticipated the line will be extended to?

Will decision makers of large organisations with offices across the regions feel that the introduction of HS2 will mean the whole of the UK can be serviced from one superoffice, which inevitably will be located in the
South East because of the dominance of Heathrow airport regarding the provision of frequent, direct services that extensively cover the globe? The 40 minute travel time between central London and central Birmingham
will mean Birmingham is as accessible to Londoners as the many districts that lie towards the end of each line on the tube network. Meanwhile, it is currently the norm for regional offices located in Birmingham to service an area that stretches at least an hour from the office, covering the East Midlands and the counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcester and Warwickshire. HS2 could mean that these rural counties can be serviced effectively by a London office.

Of course employment and office costs are higher in London than they are in the regions, which gives some comfort for a natural spread of office locations being maintained across the UK. And, there is always the enthusiastic argument that HS2 will mean that London and the South East can be effectively serviced from Birmingham – an argument that would be much stronger if the runway extension at Birmingham International
Airport went ahead, ensuring many more long haul destinations could be reached.”

While Lord Adonis’ report proposes that public consultation for HS2 commences in autumn 2010, with the General Election campaign now in full flow, we will eagerly await news later this summer as to whether that timescale can be adhered to.

HS2 presents a tremendous opportunity for Birmingham and for Eastside, particularly developments such as Masshouse which are not directly impacted by the land requirement for the proposed Curzon Street train station development. However, my message is that we can’t be blinkered and presume that Birmingham simply has everything to gain. We all need to work collectively to ensure HS2 tackles the ‘north/south divide’
head on, rather than slipping into the trap of Birmingham becoming yet another commuter town for the super power that London will always be.

BIRMINGHAM POST - APRIL 2010]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=23 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=23 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:34:16 BST
Masshouse is a £600 million, 1.1 million sq ft mixed-use scheme by Masshouse Developments Ltd which will be anchored by the new Magistrates’ Court for Birmingham which is currently under construction. The apartments will eventually overlook a new city park planned for the area by the city council.

Paul Spooner, regional director of the HCA, said: “Our aim is always to help create a sense of place, where new and existing communities will thrive. Masshouse is a huge project which will bring together a great mix of people and lifestyles. I am pleased that our Kickstart funding has ensured that this landmark scheme moves forward. The second residential building will help make that even more accessible for future residents and contribute to the wider development of Eastside.”

Nick Payne, chairman of Masshouse Developments, a joint venture between developer Nikal and RBS Property Ventures, said: “It is tremendous to have received significant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency. It shows the level of support and confidence in Masshouse and Eastside by the public sector. We can now finish delivering 167 new dwellings at Masshouse, with the unique selling point being the inspiring views of the new CityParkand new plaza, which is being created adjacent to the Magistrates’ Court building.

“We have 46 agreed sales to date, which shows the strong level of interest in the scheme. We believe take-up will be very strong when we open up the Masshouse sales suite in late spring.”

"Our aim is always to help create a sense of place, where new and existing communities will thrive. Masshouse is a huge project which will bring together a great mix of people and lifestyles"

Coun John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “The government is showing once again they have full faith in Birmingham’s ability to deliver on housing for our people. This is an important development which will generate much needed jobs in the construction industry and create 167 new dwellings helping to create a vibrant area with a thriving community.”

Work to complete the second apartment building at Masshouse, including internal construction work, will create over 100 jobs over a 12 month period. It is anticipated that the first apartments will be complete and ready for occupation by the start of 2011. The apartments have been designed with highly contemporary fixtures and fittings to appeal to the young target market.

In addition, an agreement with Birmingham District Energy Company Ltd (BDEC) and Aston University was signed for Masshouse in July 2009. This is being extended to other major buildings in the area. It will include the second residential building and the Magistrates’ Courts at Masshouse, making use of locally produced low carbon energy and enhancing the environmental credentials of the scheme.

Birmingham Post - 18 March 2010]]> www.masshouse.co.uk www.masshouse.co.uk Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:07:49 GMT
The scheme, which forms part of Sunseekers former boat yard on West Quay Road in central Poole, comprises 71 traditional apartments and 25 Manhattan Suites – serviced apartments designed in association with development partner, Sunseeker International.

Plans also include a 180-bed hotel with spa and conference facilities which will provide much needed quality accommodation for visitors to Poole. In addition, the scheme will feature 20,000 sq ft Grade A office space, a variety of family restaurants as well as a new quayside with 20 boat moorings for occupiers and visitors.

Jonny Wrigley, development director at Nikal Ltd, said: “Nikal and the rest of the team have worked tirelessly to ensure that West Quay Marina is a deliverable scheme in the current economic climate. We strongly believe that our proposals will bring significant benefits to the town and we are excited to have finally been granted consent.

“We intend to move the project forward with detailed design proposals due to be submitted to planners early next Summer and our aim is to be on site by the end of 2010 once initial works for the Twin Sails Bridge are underway. We are particularly excited about the Manhattan Suites as we are working alongside the Sunseeker design team to create a truly unique waterside living concept which we hope to roll out internationally.

“Poole is a solid and established market and we expect the town to recover quicker than most locations in the UK. It already boasts a myriad of local and international businesses, a booming tourist trade and its great links to London mean Poole is a hugely popular second home location. Further inward investment is expected to strengthen the local economy and increase demand for high quality housing and hotel accommodation which we believe will complement what we are trying to achieve at West Quay Marina.”

ENDS

Press Contact: Clare Lawrence @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=21 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=21 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:22:52 GMT
The coveted awards, dedicated to finding the best real estate across the UK, were presented at a high profile gala dinner at the Marriott Hotel in London’s Grosvenor Square last month.

Nick Payne, managing director of Nikal Developments, said: “MyBuro is more than just an office development – we aim to achieve an executive quality environment that allows owner-occupiers or investors to combine their business interests with property ownership by buying an office suite, in a new development, in much the same way an apartment would be purchased.

“MyBuro in Altrincham, Manchester, has proved itself as a revolutionary concept particularly as a pension related investment and we are thrilled that it has been acknowledged by the UK Commercial Property Awards. It has been a great project to be involved with and the process of securing the next location is well under way which is extremely exciting.”

Since launching last year, MyBuro has attracted a host of high profile companies ranging from venture capitalists to a private ophthalmic consultancy, all looking for the opportunity to buy their own boutique office space and the development is now almost fully occupied. Nikal is in the process of rolling out the MyBuro concept to other locations in the UK.

ENDS

Press Contact: Clare Lawrence @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=20 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=20 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:21:38 GMT
Nikal, the property business backed by paper tycoon Alan Murphy, has bought the remaining half of the shares in its joint venture to develop the £150m Altair site at Altrincham.

They acquired the shares following the collapse last year of their former partners, North Wales-based David McLean Developments.

The deal ends five months of negotiations and means that work on site will progress in 2010.

The Altair site has been earmarked for 161,000 sq ft of retail floorspace, 53,000 sq ft of offices, and a 130-bed hotel.

Nikal take full control at Altair as speculation mounts that it could be redesigned to include a new hospital.

Nikal says that it is `undertaking the pre-qualification process' with Trafford NHS Trust to develop the new Altrincham General Hospital.

A new hospital will be required in the town by 2012.

Nick Payne, managing director of Nikal said: "We were naturally disappointed by the David McLean Group falling victim to the credit crisis but have been fortunate enough to finalise the purchase of its shares enabling us to progress."

"Whilst we are not immune to the current climate, we have a long term strategy and projects like Altair are what excite us. The development will deliver many of the things Altrincham has been lacking over recent decades and the temporary ice rink investment was just the start. Our vision for Altair includes residential, hotel, office, retail and leisure uses.

"We have recently teamed up with local residents to form a focus group and the scheme is shaping up well. Since gaining planning permission for the project, we have been waiting for the council to complete the land acquisition and are working with tenants and occupiers alike to get the first phase under way as soon as possible."

When complete, Altair will bring new homes, shops, offices and leisure amenities to the area as well as generating approximately 2,000 new jobs.

MEN March 17, 2009]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=19 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=19 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:57:04 GMT
Council Leader Councillor Susan Williams said she was delighted that the legal agreement has been signed, which should pave the way for the developers to submit their planning application in the Autumn.

"Altair - named after the brightest star in the north - is destined to shine its futuristic high specification light down on the area. This is vital if we are to achieve our aim of relaunching Altrincham as a modern, vibrant, exciting town centre with something to offer everyone, visitors, shoppers and local people. By doing this we are sure we will be able to re-establish it as a premier north west shopping, entertainment and leisure town," she said.

Altair, which is expected to be completed by 2012 will feature a modern glass design, housing a state of the art, 3,000 seat ice rink and other complimentary leisure facilities.

In addition there will be fantastic homes, an hotel, shopping, drinking and eating experiences - simply something for everyone.

Commenting on the signing, Nick Payne from the developers said they were delighted to sign the legal agreement and therefore securing the missing piece of this fantastic, inspiring town centre jigsaw.

"The public is probably unaware of the enormous efforts Trafford and ourselves have already put into this development. We made a commitment to Altrincham residents that a new ice rink would be built and we can see the results of all that hard work with the new silver blades. However the temporary rink is just the start of our overall commitment, which will involve a planning application being made shortly. Over the next five years Altair will ultimately see the relocation of the rink to a permanent site adjacent to the other elements of this £150m development," he said.

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Press Contact: Meg Pugh @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)

From left to right: Simon Garnett, David McLean developments director, Cllr Mrs Susan Williams, leader of the council and Nick Payne, director David McLean Nikal]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=16 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=16 Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 BST
Freedom Quay, a residential development of 51 luxury apartments on Humber Quays, is being snapped up by its first residents, just days after its launch.

The scheme, created by developers Nikal and Hull’s urban regeneration company, Citybuild, has received considerable interest from local Hull residents, selling a total of 35 apartments at the launch evening in March. Among the first to purchase one of the luxury apartments is James Rule, Commercial Director of Hull Football Club and Craig Beck, Content Director of Viking FM.

The development consists of twenty-four one bedroom and twenty-six two-bedroom apartments split across four floors. There is also a luxury penthouse apartment situated on the fifth floor, which is soon to be tendered. Building will commence during summer 2007, with completion due Autumn 2008.

Nick Payne, Managing Director of Nikal, comments: “Hull is an area with big potential and this scheme is a fantastic addition to an already impressive marina. We have already received an incredible amount of interest and the first phase is almost sold out. Freedom Quay will help drive the city forward along with other innovative developments that are changing the face of Hull, so we look forward to announcing soon that the scheme is sold out!”

John Haymes, Development Director at Citybuild, added: “We have been working closely with Nikal to bring the scheme forward and we are delighted by the strong level of interest already experienced, especially from owner occupiers. Freedom Quay will be one of the best residential addresses in the city and is evidence that Hull is now harnessing the potential of its great waterfront to attract new investment and activity into its city centre.”

The remaining apartments have two bedrooms, come with parking and start at £164,850. Most apartments in the development have views of the marina or South facing views of the Estuary.

Shepheard Epstein Hunter is the appointed architect.

To register your interest in the scheme please contact Abi Povey, Sales and Marketing Manager, on 0161 247 8585.

Ends
Press Contact: Meg Pugh @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=15 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=15 Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Manchester Phoenix was out of action between 2004 and 2006 as the team waited for a new venue to replace their previous home at the MEN Arena. DNM brokered the deal to bring the team back to Altrincham with a new and impressive ice stadium as part of the £150 million Altair development. A temporary ice rink on site will be home to the Manchester Pheonix team until the altair development is completed.

Jonathan Wrigley, Development Director at Nikal, comments: “The ice dome is central to Altair and is a great attraction for both people living locally, and for visitors from around the UK. Our aim with Altair is to reinforce Altrincham’s roots while rejuvenating the town by developing a 21st century lifestyle experience.

“The local community is key to the success of both Altair and Manchester Phoenix. It is therefore important that we all come together to support the team as we expect both the team and Altair to play leading roles in Altrincham’s future as ‘the brightest star in the North’.”

Altair is being developed by Nikal and David McLean Developments with cutting edge design by Ian Simpson Architects. It also has the support of Trafford Borough Council and will contain contemporary retail, office, leisure residential and hotel in addition to the ice stadium.
ENDS

Press Contact: Mary Jaquiss @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)

Notes to Editors

The scheme, based in Altrincham, is located nine miles to the south-west of Manchester city centre, within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford. It will bring together a brand new ice stadium that will be home to the Manchester Phoenix, whilst providing 15,000 sq m of retail and leisure accommodation; luxury apartments with panoramic views across South Manchester; 5,000 sq m of contemporary grade-A office space; a 100 bed hotel; extensive car parking; a parade of high quality restaurants; two new public squares; and a centre for extreme sports.]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=14 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=14 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT
With over £600m (911,000 Euro) worth of investment in the pipeline including both large, commercial mixed-use developments as well as more specialised regeneration projects in Birmingham, Hull and Manchester, Nikal is achieving recognition as a national player in the industry.

One such development helping achieve this status is the stunning £150m mixed-use development at the centre of Altrincham and Trafford’s regeneration, ‘altair’.

An architecturally-led development, the vision for which has been created by Manchester’s renowned Ian Simpson Architects, balances style with the operational demands of occupiers, delivering a design that is of higher quality than anything previously seen in the area. Named after one of the brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere, the brand ‘altair’ is reflective of what to expect.

‘Altair’ is a striking, contemporary design that offers a new ice stadium that will be home to the Manchester Phoenix ice hockey team; 15,000 sq m of retail and leisure accommodation; luxury apartments with panoramic views across South Manchester; 5,000sq m of contemporary grade-A office space; a 100 bed hotel; a parade of high quality restaurants and two new public squares.

Jonny Wrigley, Development Director at Nikal comments: “Altair is a vibrant and exciting development opportunity for all types of businesses and will transform Altrincham by merging its market town roots with a 21st Century lifestyle.”

A second exclusive, but perhaps less conspicuous development in Altrincham by Nikal is the unique ‘Buro’ Office Scheme. Located in a new period style building next door to Altrincham’s Town Hall, this Scheme offers a unique alternative to a personal pension plan for many SME’s.

Nick Payne, Nikal’s Managing Director explains: “Buro is a brand new concept and unique in that it allows owner occupiers or investors the opportunity to buy an office suite in a development in much the same way a home-owner would buy a city centre apartment”.

Included in the service charge is a first class reception area that provides secretarial services as well as all the facilities a modern business requires in a contemporary, stylish environment with five-star delivery.

Nick continues “The aim is to make office real estate investment available in the most prestigious areas, affordable and accessible for everyone.”

With other larger sites already earmarked for development of future Buro offices in Manchester and Birmingham, the investment Scheme promises huge potential.

For further information contact:
Abi Povey
Tel: 0161 247 8585
E-mail: alp@nikal.uk.com
www.nikal.uk.com]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=13 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=13 Sun, 04 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT
The scheme, created by developers Nikal and Hull's urban regeneration company, Citybuild, is the first residential development to be launched on Humber Quays. The development consists of twenty-four one bedroom and twenty-six two-bedroom apartments split across four floors. There is also a luxury penthouse apartment situated on the fifth floor.

The name of the development 'Freedom Quay' ties in directly with the town's inspiring events of the past, when William Wilberforce, MP for Hull, led the campaign to abolish Slave Trade in the UK. March 2007 will mark the 200-year anniversary of the abolition and the whole of the UK will commemorate this momentous occasion.

Nick Payne, Managing Director of Nikal, comments: 'Hull is an area with big potential and this scheme is a fantastic addition to an already impressive marina. The launch event in March will allow potential purchasers the chance to view a range of quality apartments and floor plans and make reservations on the night. We have already received an incredible amount of interest and are predicting the first phase will be completely sold out within a matter of days.

'We felt it was important to choose a name that meant something to the people of Hull and reflected the town's history, so the anniversary of the abolition seemed a suitable time to launch the scheme. Freedom Quay will help drive the city forward along with other innovative developments that are changing the face of Hull."
John Haymes, Development Director at Citybuild, added: "We have been working closely with Nikal to bring the scheme forward and we are delighted by the strong level of interest already experienced, especially from owner occupiers. Freedom Quay will be one of the best residential addresses in the city and is evidence that Hull is now harnessing the potential of its great waterfront to attract new investment and activity into its city centre."

One-bedroom apartments start from around £110,000 and two bedroom apartments from around £164,000. Most apartments have views of the marina or South facing views of the Estuary. Shepheard Epstein Hunter is the appointed architect.

The launch event will be held on Friday 2nd March from 6pm in The Observatory at The Deep. To register your interest in the scheme please contact Abi Povey, Sales and Marketing Manager, on 0161 247 8585.]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=12 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=12 Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT
The scheme, pioneered by development partners Nikal and David McLean Developments and backed by Trafford Borough Council, lies just nine miles south west of Manchester city centre and will create contemporary, retail, office, leisure and residential space, as well as new ice stadium and a 100 bed hotel.

Altair is an architecturally led development, the vision for which has been created by Ian Simpson Architects. It balances style with the operational demands of occupiers, delivering a design that is of higher quality than anything previously seen in the area.

Jonny Wrigley, Development Director at Nikal comments: "Altair is an exceptional development and creating the brand is integral to the vision for the scheme. We wanted a name that truly represents the positioning of the development and the future of Altrincham once its regeneration is completed.

He continues: "Altair is a vibrant and exciting development opportunity for all businesses and private interests both financially and culturally. It will completely reshape existing attitudes towards commerce, culture and community. Altair will transform Altrincham by merging its market town roots with a 21st century lifestyle experience to create 'the brightest star in the north'

Cushman & Wakefield and Markham Vaughan Gillingham have been appointed as letting agents for the retail and leisure elements providing a blend of international experience and niche retail specialists.

Martin Acton of Cushman & Wakefield comments "Altrincham's demographics consist of a high proportion of people with rewarding careers who actively choose luxury and premium quality products. Altair's occupiers will therefore be of exceptional quality to suit the target market in the local catchment area. With the location and promise that Altrincham has to offer, we are already receiving a significant amount of interest from leading, premium retailers and leisure operators."


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Press Contact: Caroline Chell @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)

According to Greek myths Aquila was the bird of Zeus. This constellation used to be known as Eagle at least as early as 1200 B.C.

Altair

The scheme, based in Altrincham is located nine miles to the south-west of Manchester city centre, within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford. It will bring together a new 3,000 seat ice stadium that will be home to the Manchester Phoenix, whilst providing 15,000 sq m of retail and leisure accommodation; luxury apartments with panoramic views across South Manchester; 5,000sq m of contemporary grade-A office space; a 100 bed hotel; extensive car parking; a parade of high quality restaurants; two new public squares; and a centre for extreme sports.]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=11 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=11 Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT The final phase of Manchester's regeneration following the 1996 bomb has commenced with the redevelopment of Mynshulls House and Britannic Buildings in Hanging Ditch.
After approximately 50,000 square metres of retail space and nearly 25,000 square metres of office space being reconstructed, the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle is now being put right thanks to property investment and development company, Nikal, creating more than 7,000 sq ft of office and residential accommodation.
Ten years on from the memorable fathers day in 1996, most of the devastated area has now been completely restored. Most noticeably, the royal exchange has been renovated, the Corn Exchange reborn as the Triangle and the north side of the Arndale rebuilt. Likewise, the two oldest buildings that make up Shambles Square, Old Wellington Inn and Sinclair's Oyster Bar have also been physically moved 100 yards into a new Shambles Square.
Nick Payne, Managing Director of Nikal, comments: "This redevelopment signifies the work Manchester has done to the rebuild the destroyed buildings, but during this time the city itself has boomed. The arrival of new sites and landmarks such as, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Deansgate Locks, the Green Quarter, City of Manchester Stadium, not to mention the infamous Betham Tower, echoes the promising future that Manchester can look forward to."
"The redevelopment of Mynshulls House and Britannic Buildings represents the final stage in Manchester's 10-year regeneration, which has seen more than £500 million of investment during the past decade and has helped to make Manchester a more attractive prospect for both high profile international companies and potential residents."
Nikal will relocate to Mynshulls House once the redevelopment is complete in December. While Britannic Buildings will provide four apartments of approximately 4,000 sq ft each with marketing due to commence within the next four weeks.
Hanging Ditch stands between Manchester Cathedral and the former Corn Exchange. In 1322 the area housed a fulling mill and it is thought to be named after the manner in which fullers hung their cloth out to drain and dry over the ditch, which was the River Irk. Later, Flemish weavers moved to the area and brought with them new skills in linen, lace and bleaching.
Nikal was established in 2003 by Nick Payne, founder or Westpoint and ASK Developments, and Alan Murphy, former owner of AM Paper Group.
Nikal is currently on site with the £120 million redevelopment of Altrincham town centre which includes 200,000 sq ft of retail space and 20,000 sq ft of grade A office, as well as leisure facilities, apartments and a hotel and has concluded industrial, office and residential schemes in Salford and Ancoats.
Press Contact: Caroline Chell @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=10 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=10 Tue, 10 Oct 2006 00:00:00 BST
MyBuro, which is being pioneered by Manchester developer, Nikal will create office space specifically for small and medium size businesses, which can be bought individually much like an apartment. This will enable growth companies to own their own premises, while also benefiting from a Grade A office specification in boutique-style surroundings. Each development, including Altrincham has meetings rooms with secretarial and concierge support.

MyBuro’s flagship development, the first of its kind in the UK, is on Market Street, Altrincham and offers twelve Grade A offices over three floors. Starting from 295 sq ft, the suites accommodate between three to twelve people with larger offices for up to twenty . The suites benefit from a purpose-built environment, which includes secure on-site parking, circular feature meeting room, fully networked management system, IT, air conditioning, secretarial and administrative support.

Nick Payne, Managing Director of Nikal, commented: “MyBuro is more than just an office development. It is an ‘executive business condominium’ that allows owner-occupiers or investors to combine business interests with a sound property investment and buy an office suite in a new development in much the same way an apartment would be purchased.

“Many smaller businesses aspire to have a high quality office that represents their brand, but cannot afford best location and specification. MyBuro is clearly an affordable alternative to renting. The suites are of auch quality that they can be rented to other businesses or occupied by and leased to the buyer’s own company.”


Abi Povey, Marketing Manager of the MyBuro concept, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and a real alternative in the current office market. MyBuro is in many cases a pension-qualifying property investment and unlike residential investments, can be purchased by investors under their SIPP, subject to personal status”

Prices range from £100,000 to £500,000. To find out more, please contact MyBuro on 0161 214 1888.]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=9 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=9 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 BST
Davyhulme midwife, Linda Gibson, is on a mission to tackle childhood obesity with a sports programme for young children attending Juice, the new boutique child nursery in Altrincham.

Linda has teamed up with sports scientists at Salford University to help get children active at the earliest opportunity. The programme, which is tailor-made for children from birth up to the age of five, will run alongside dance classes in the stunning surroundings of Altrincham’s newly refurbished Town Hall.

Linda said: “I’ve been working with children and parents all my life, so I have a good idea about what they want.

“Parents are getting increasingly worried about childhood obesity, so I am working closely with sports scientists and nutritionists to ensure that every child at Juice is as healthy and happy as possible.

“The team at Juice is incredibly experienced and we have already had a very positive response from parents in Altrincham, with thirty deposits down already.”

The nursery will operate from the privately owned section of Altrincham Town Hall, which was acquired by property developers, Nikal, last year. Parents wanting to enroll can contact Juice on 0161 235 6400.

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Press Contact: Mary Jaquiss @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=8 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=8 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:00:00 BST
Freedom Quay, a residential development of 51 luxury apartments on Humber Quays, is being snapped up by its first residents, just days after its launch.

The scheme, created by developers Nikal and Hull’s urban regeneration company, Citybuild, has received considerable interest from local Hull residents, selling a total of 35 apartments at the launch evening in March. Among the first to purchase one of the luxury apartments is James Rule, Commercial Director of Hull Football Club and Craig Beck, Content Director of Viking FM.

The development consists of twenty-four one bedroom and twenty-six two-bedroom apartments split across four floors. There is also a luxury penthouse apartment situated on the fifth floor, which is soon to be tendered. Building will commence during summer 2007, with completion due Autumn 2008.

Nick Payne, Managing Director of Nikal, comments: “Hull is an area with big potential and this scheme is a fantastic addition to an already impressive marina. We have already received an incredible amount of interest and the first phase is almost sold out. Freedom Quay will help drive the city forward along with other innovative developments that are changing the face of Hull, so we look forward to announcing soon that the scheme is sold out!”

John Haymes, Development Director at Citybuild, added: “We have been working closely with Nikal to bring the scheme forward and we are delighted by the strong level of interest already experienced, especially from owner occupiers. Freedom Quay will be one of the best residential addresses in the city and is evidence that Hull is now harnessing the potential of its great waterfront to attract new investment and activity into its city centre.”

The remaining apartments have two bedrooms, come with parking and start at £164,850. Most apartments in the development have views of the marina or South facing views of the Estuary.

Shepheard Epstein Hunter is the appointed architect.

To register your interest in the scheme please contact Abi Povey, Sales and Marketing Manager, on 0161 247 8585.

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Press Contact: Meg Pugh @ MC2 (0161 236 1352)
]]> http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=6 http://nikal.bubblehosting.net/siteNorm/selectedNewsArticle.php?qsSelectedNewsArticleId=6 Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT