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Manchester based developers PJ Livesey have bought the site from Manchester Metropolitan University and have been given permission to turn the house into 11 upmarket flats and build 27 town houses and eight more apartments on the rest of the site.
Neighbours in this leafy and ever-popular suburb were resigned to the house and halls being redeveloped but are worried about the plans.
They are already running a campaign against a move to sell off part of the Marie Louise Gardens next door for the development of an 18 room mansion.
Concerns
But PJ Livesey say they are conscious of local concerns and have amended the original plans, drastically reducing the number of apartments to provide the family houses that are so desperately needed in the area.
A lack of supply is one of the factors that accounts for still rising prices.
Land and estates director James Woodmansee said: “Our aim is to create a mix on the site which more fully meets the needs of the local community.
“It is not in our interest to over develop or to build any properties that do not enhance the local area and we have significantly reduced numbers, and created houses rather than apartments to better reflect the housing needs of the local community.
“In addition, we have deliberately located many of the car parking spaces under ground, which means that we have reduced surface parking allowing us to create a greener and better landscaped area within the site.
“We have reduced hard standing on the site in favour of a softer greener environment.”
They have lowered the height of two of the blocks and re-positioned them on the site, but eighteen trees will still have to go.
Impressive
The conversion of the old house itself will be impressive if the firm’s track record is anything to go by.
PJ Livesey have rescued dozens of endangered buildings over the years to an unsurpassed standard and they are currently working on the conversion of a huge mill at Astley bridge, Bolton, (more details in next week’s Homes) and are working with Barratt on the regeneration of the old infirmary site in Blackburn.
Woodmansee added: “We create bespoke solutions for each and every one of our sites – and Needham Hall is no exception.
“We are absolutely committed to creating the highest quality homes which will enhance the local area for generations to come.”
At Needham they are also constructing the new build blocks and say the more contemporary design has been driven by the local authority which is keen to see a contrast on the site.
The old 1970’s blocks are now being demolished and work is about to start proper but no word yet on prices. But according to the latest ‘Index’ this time by home insurer More Than, Didsbury is the suburb ranked second in its YAPPY league, that’s the Young Affluent Professionals Index, identified by measuring ownership of goods such as iPods and plasma TVs; usage of broadband and SkyPlus; frequency of city/short breaks and collection of Air Miles; and those with earnings of over £27,000. The top area in the YAPPY league was the city centre.
For more information on the project call PJ Livesey on 0161 873 7878 or visit pjlivesey-grouo.co.uk
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