Member Article

The Heaton Group partners with Studio KMA for Bishopgate Gardens

Oldham and Chester-based architect, Studio KMA, has been brought on board by The Heaton Group to collaborate on the flagship Bishpogate Gardens residential development in Preston city centre.

Bishopgate Gardens on Ormskirk Road in Preston is a conversion of a former office block and will comprise 130 luxury apartments. Its communal spaces will include a residents’ lounge with 24 hour concierge, communal rooftop gardens and seven retail units overlooking the plaza including a barber shop, florist and deli store.

Studio KMA has been brought in to design the apartments and communal spaces. Andy Titterton, Studio KMA, commented: “Together with The Heaton Group, we have created a very efficient, attractive new landmark mixed-use development for the city centre. We’re really pleased to be working with such a forward thinking developer that considers the significant carbon savings of refurbishment projects compared to new-build construction. This is one refurbishment project, we believe, that will surpass the aesthetic and functional specifications of any new-build project in the area.”

Chris Holland, Director at The Heaton Group, said: “The building is in a prime spot for modernisation, especially with some of the new civic development schemes that are underway in the area. The exterior will be clad in distinctive, contemporary black and gold aluminium panels, transforming the building into a recognisable landmark. Our landscape architects have designed the plaza at the entrance of the building and the roof gardens with stunning city views.”

The roof-top gardens on the eighth and eleventh floors will feature a modern planting scheme with lush foliage to create an urban jungle feel and ambient lighting to make it a comfortable place to relax on long summer evenings.

Chris continues: “The communal spaces have all been designed by the Studio KMA interior design team, to create a spectacular welcome for residents and visitors to the building. These areas will also act as a central point for ‘The Common’ shared working space and commercial units on the ground floor.”

“The one, two and three bedroom apartments have all been designed by Studio KMA with functionality and style in mind. The rooms are well proportioned and they all have luxury kitchens and bathrooms and high quality fixtures and fittings throughout.”

Smart technology will be incorporated throughout the building, meaning simpler management, lower costs and smarter rental options as well as remote heating access and fob access to the building.

Chris adds: “Due to open in June 2021, we expect the apartments to be popular with both the buy to live market and also with those looking to invest in Preston following the significant investment in the area.”

“Preston is one of the most up-and-coming areas of the UK with significant investment being put into the restoration, redevelopment and improvement of the city centre and surrounding areas. The property market in Preston provides high yields and has been growing year on year. In fact, flats and apartments have grown by almost 75% in the last year, with the average price going up by more than £50,000. Preston Property yields are over 8% which is considerably higher than the UK average (5 – 6%).”

Since 2013 there has been a £434 million investment in Preston, to expand and improve the infrastructure for transport, create 20,000 new jobs and more than 17,000 new homes in the area. The local economy is expected to grow by over £1billion in the next 10 years.

In November 2018, Preston was named in PWC’s ‘Good Growth for Cities’ report as ‘the most improved city’ to work and live in. In 2019, Preston ranked as the best city to live in the North West, surpassing both Manchester and Liverpool.

Bishopsgate will be one of the Heaton Groups’ largest developments to date. With four generations of industry expertise and an impressive track record for large projects behind it, the development is on track to become another success story for Preston.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Thomas .