First look | Parbold Redevelopment

17
June, 2024

First Look | Parbold Redevelopment

First look at the planned redevelopment of Lancashire’s historic former convent revealed

We’ve unveiled a first look at the plans to restore Lancaster House, a Victorian former convent in Parbold village, into a community of 23 exemplary homes.

The first artist impression of what the stunning restored historic villa will look like once complete has now been revealed for this stunning development now rebranded as, The Retreat.

First built in 1845 for local industrialist Hugh Ainscough, Lancaster House later became the home of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, being used as a convent from 1929 for over 90 years.

Plans to transform the historic site were unanimously approved last year. Now, enabling work has started to ready the walled 6.5 acre plot for its transformation.

Set to be available for buyers to reserve off-plan this summer, The Retreat will see the main house sensitively refurbished and repurposed into four grand heritage homes, with original retained features including a sweeping staircase and ornate ceilings. Other historic properties, including an adjoining cottage and stables, will also be reimagined into homes.

Elsewhere, energy efficient new homes will sit sensitively alongside the old. They’ll be built to the highest energy-efficiency ratings and feature extensive insulation, solar panels, EV charging facilities, triple glazing, underfloor heating and mechanical ventilation systems. To further upgrade the property the company also offers the option to purchase a solar battery storage unit.

The extensive walled gardens are set to become a major selling point.

Mature trees, hedged walkways, quiet seating spots and tranquil formal gardens will surround the properties, with re-opened paths creating a new trail for people to soak up the surrounding nature.

Georgina Lynch, Managing Director at PJ Livesey Group, said:

“Lancaster House and the surrounding historic buildings have beautiful bones, but they’re in need of care and attention. We’re proud to be starting work to restore and repurpose the site, writing the next chapter in a way that preserves and celebrates its lengthy past.

“Once done, The Retreat will be a truly special place to live. Whether people go for the historic homes or the neighbouring energy efficient new homes, all will enjoy the unique setting of the peaceful walled gardens within walking distance of the bustling village centre. We’re excited to get going on site and reveal more.”

Set in rural West Lancashire but with good rail links to Manchester and Liverpool, Parbold is fast becoming a desirable village. Homes at The Retreat will be available to reserve off-plan from summer 2024 and are expected to be completed in 2025.

Those wanting to be the first to receive information on the homes can register using the button below.

Jamie’s Testimonial | Kings Gate Macclesfield

12
June, 2024

Making new Memories at King’s Gate Macclesfield

Jamie and his son are also totally smitten with Macclesfield

Jamie and his teenage son swapped a period property for a contemporary, energy efficient home at our King’s Gate development in Macclesfield and could not be happier.

After 20 years in Alderley, Cheshire, he realised it would be better to be part of a busy community rather than in a semi-rural location which involved driving everywhere and he wanted a new build property that would not need maintenance and so began his search around the Cheshire hot spots of Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Prestbury.

He said: “We looked at several new build developments but they were actually not very nice! Not much character or distinction and all very samey. I was looking for a company that was doing something that little bit different, with that added extra something.”

When he heard that PJ Livesey had acquired the former King’s School site he took a closer look.

Jamie said: “My son goes to school in Macclesfield but in all honestly had not considered moving here. But the more I researched about PJ Livesey the more I liked. Their back catalogue of projects is fascinating and I really like the mix between heritage and new build and every site is totally different.

“We went to look at what they had built in Didsbury and loved the contemporary properties so I registered for King’s Gate and when the show home opened we went to look and both went Wow! We want one!”

He reserved a Wilmot house type which is spread over two floors with private garden and a set-back balcony on the top floor overlooking the large green open space and across to the historic school buildings.

He said: “It’s like having our own Grand Design house! The rooms are really big, big spaces with high ceilings and flooded with light.

“And with the solar panels and power storage it is also incredibly energy efficient with basically free electricity! The boiler tells you how much you are using and how much power is left in the battery which makes you feel in control.”

Jamie and his son are also totally smitten with Macclesfield.

He said: “It has a large and really thriving centre with great places to meet and eat like The Picture Dome and BoHotel and we love the Treacle Market once a month. It has an independent cinema and pubs like The Castle playing live music.

“My son can be independent and walk into town to meet friends for a coffee or walk to the train station and catch the train into Manchester at the weekend.

“It is more eclectic with a bigger mix of people than some other places which seem to have quite a sterile mono-culture. We wanted something more interesting and with its Joy Division music legacy it does have quite a creative vibe.”

Such is the appeal that his elderly parents have already reserved a one-bedroom garden apartment in The Residence.

Jamie said: “My parents are in their 80’s and live in north Wales and having visited me a couple of times absolutely love it here! Fortunately, the apartments were just being released so they have reserved one on the ground floor and it has a large garden.

“It means that we will be able to just pop across to see them or Mum can come to me for a couple of hours while Dad explores or goes for a pint! It will be lovely having them here.”

He also praised the on-site team at King’s, especially sales consultant Keith. He said: “He is absolutely incredible. Great communication all the way through and he really could not be kinder to me or my Mum and Dad. I am really glad I met him on day one and he made this all possible. He is a really lovely face of the company.”

Seven reasons why Parbold village is a fantastic place to live

12
June, 2024

Seven reasons why Parbold village is a fantastic place to live

Nestled in the heart of West Lancashire, Parbold is a charming village that offers a perfect blend of rural tranquillity and convenient amenities.

It’s the location for The Retreat, our bespoke collection of 23 heritage properties and energy efficient new homes set within beautiful walled grounds and a series of tranquil gardens.

Whether you’re just considering a move or you have already taken the plunge, here are seven great reasons to make Parbold your home.

1. Stunning surroundings
Parbold is known for its picturesque landscapes. The village is surrounded by rolling hills, lush countryside and the serene Leeds-Liverpool canal.

The village offers breathtaking views over the West Lancashire Plain and, on a clear day, you can even get a view of the Welsh mountains, making it the perfect place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you like leisurely walks, picnics or cycling, the Fairy Glen is a fantastic woodland walk. Located on the side of Parbold Hill, it is home to cliff edges and spectacular waterfalls.

2. Community spirit
One of the standout features of Parbold is its strong sense of community.

The village hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular Parbold Street Festival, local farmers’ markets and its annual Christmas festival. These events foster a sense of belonging and offer residents a chance to connect and celebrate their shared heritage.

The active village hall plays host to numerous classes and societies such as the Wildlife Club, WI, U3A as well as holding coffee mornings, movie screenings and concerts. There is always something happening and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.

3. A bustling village centre
Despite its intimate village atmosphere, Parbold offers a wealth of amenities. The bustling village centre features a variety of independent shops, cafes and traditional pubs, such as The Windmill and The Stocks Tavern, where visitors can enjoy a warm meal and a friendly chat.

Enjoy an artisan lunch overlooking the canal at Yours Is The Earth or explore a collection of curated wines at the Margot Wine Bar & Eatery, before taking a stroll around the Mill House Gallery.

Elsewhere, local services such as the library, medical centre and sports facilities cater to the needs of the community, ensuring everything you need is right on the doorstep.

4. Excellent local schools
Parbold boasts some outstanding educational institutions. Both Our Lady & All Saints Catholic Primary School and Parbold Douglas CofE Academy (within a short walk of The Retreat) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and have excellent reputations for their community involvement. This makes Parbold an ideal choice for families with children.

5. Convenient transport links
Despite its rural charm, Parbold is well-connected. The village’s train station offers regular services to major cities like Liverpool or Manchester, meaning you can go door-to-door to either within an hour … ideal for commuters. Also, the M6 motorway is just a few miles down the road, allowing easy access to other parts of the UK. For those who prefer to stay local, a good network of buses and cycle paths makes getting around the area straightforward and convenient.

6. A rich history
Parbold is steeped in history, with roots dating back to medieval times. The village’s historic buildings, such as the iconic Parbold Windmill and the old St Peter’s Church, add a unique charm to the area. Exploring the village’s heritage through local museums and historical sites provides residents with a deep connection to the past.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lancashire village without a nod to the history of hard-won rights. On the far side of Parbold Hill is the Parbold Bottle, a monument commemorating the passing of the Great Reform Act, which started the process of giving ordinary people the right to vote.

7. Parks and Recreation
Parbold is surrounded by several natural reserves and parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The nearby Beacon Country Park offers extensive walking paths, picnic areas and a golf course, making it a favourite place for locals to unwind and enjoy nature.

Living in Parbold means enjoying the best of both worlds: the peace and beauty of the countryside with the convenience of urban amenities. Its strong community spirit, excellent schools, rich history and vibrant social scene make it an ideal place to call home.

Whether you’re drawn to its scenic landscapes or its friendly atmosphere, Parbold has something for everyone.

Register an interest now for early VIP access to The Retreat details when they’re released.

Parbold Plans Unanimously Approved

22

December, 2023

Parbold Plans Unanimously Approved

Proposals to redevelop the site of a Victorian villa in Parbold have been approved.

We are delighted that our proposals to redevelop the site of a Victorian villa in the lovely West Lancashire town of Parbold have been approved.

We worked closely with the Parish Council, the planning and tree officers and neighbours in finalising plans, and the scheme was welcomed as: “a benefit for all the community”.

And it will be a very special PJ Livesey project – a total of just 23 homes set within extensive walled gardens with mature trees and hedged walkways that will be improved and maintained for residents to enjoy.

At the centre will be Lancaster House, built in 1845 for Hugh Ainscough. It was used by the family up until 1929 when it was first rented, then purchased, by The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur UK, who occupied the 6.5-acre site up until 2021.

Our plans will see the main house, converted to create four grand apartments, and original features like a sweeping staircase and ornate ceiling will be retained. The views from the large windows at the front of the house onto the gardens are glorious.

An adjoining cottage will be restored as a single unique property and the estate’s stable block, which includes a distinctive brick tower, will be converted to provide five properties.

A 1980’s accommodation block will be demolished and 13 new build family houses built in the grounds.

There will be a pedestrian route from the Grade II listed Our Lady and All Saints Church through to Lancaster Lane.

PJ Livesey managing director, Georgina Lynch, said: “Lancaster House has a grand history and connection with the Ainscough family who played such an important role in the area’s development.

“Our plans will safeguard the building and the original layout of the gardens and we are delighted they have now been approved. We would anticipate work to start on site in spring next year with the first homes available in 2025.”

Chorlton Shopping Centre Redevelopment Consultation

11
November, 2023

Redevelopment Consultation

For the Chorlton Shopping Centre in South Manchester

The second stage of public consultation on our plans to redevelop the Chorlton Shopping Centre site in south Manchester is now underway.

Following significant input from the local community, architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and landscape architects Randall Thorp, have designed a new masterplan for the site that will transform Barlow Moor Road into a bustling shopping street and deliver a diverse mix of around 200 new homes.

Based on the Development Framework adopted by Manchester City Council in 2017, the revised scheme would also bring improvements to green spaces with new planting across the site to improve biodiversity and the creation of a linear park.

The plans would see Barlow Moor Road transformed with flexible commercial space suitable for a range of operators at street level and apartments above. Mature trees would be retained with improved planting to create opportunities for outdoor seating.

The new homes would include one, two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes all with balconies and access to communal residential gardens, and a street of town houses with bay windows and brick detailing to reflect the existing neighbourhood.

Around 20% of the homes will be available through a Registered Provider for rent or shared ownership.

Whilst the route from Nicolas Road to Barlow Moor Road would remain open, it is planned for the junction between Nicolas Road and Manchester Road to be closed to vehicles. This would create space for lush new planting, as well as pedestrian-first walkable streets.

Public consultation drop-in events with the opportunity to discuss plans with the full team will be held in a vacant unit opposite Timpsons in the shopping precinct on the following days:
Saturday 18 November: 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 21 November: 12pm – 6pm

Follow-up sessions will also be available on:
Friday 24 November: 10am – 4pm
Thursday 30 November: 10am-4pm
Monday 4 December: 10am – 4pm

More information and an online questionnaire to give feedback can be found at: www.onechorlton.co.uk

Chorlton Shopping Centre Regeneration

28

March, 2023

CHORLTON SHOPPING CENTRE REGENERATION

We’ve been selected to design a new future for the Chorlton Shopping Centre

We are delighted to have been selected by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund as development partner to design and deliver a new future for the Chorlton Shopping Centre site in South Manchester.

The 3.2 acre site, bounded by Barlow Moor Road, Wilbraham Road and Nicolas Road, comprises of the shopping precinct, together with Graeme House and an adjoining 200 space surface car park.

The brief is to create a thriving and sustainable neighbourhood that captures the spirit of Chorlton, with a mix of new housing and shops together with new public spaces and cycle routes.

PJ Livesey development director, James Woodmansee, said: “This is a huge opportunity but also a huge challenge to get right and it has to meet the needs of the Chorlton community.

“We want it to be the centrepiece of the neighbourhood, a place where people come to shop, to meet and to live, with a range of high quality housing available to meet all needs.

“This new partnership marks the start of new life for the precinct site, and it also marks the start of extensive consultation about what that new life should be and we want local people to help us shape that.”

Formal public consultation will begin later in the year and existing retailers will continue to trade as normal during this process.

Gareth Conroy of Avison Young, property managers to The Greater Manchester Pension Fund, added “GMPF look forward to working in partnership with PJ Livesey to deliver an exceptional development in this key location. Sustainability will be a focus of the project and we look

forward to evolving the existing development framework to create something special which has a positive impact on Chorlton.

“The project is further evidence of GMPF’s continued investment within Greater Manchester, helping to stimulate the local economy whilst at the same time delivering much needed new homes.”

If you want to have your say or register your interest please go to the One Chorlton Website and fill in the questionaire.

Have your say here

Visit the One Chorlton website here