Jo’s Story at King’s Gate Macclesfield

28

March, 2025

Why you should move into a PJ Livesey home

Moving home is a big decision, but for one of our Kings Gate residents, it was an easy one

Jo’s Story – We caught up with Jo, who, having spent time living in France, decided to move to our historic site in Macclesfield and make it her home. Have a read of what she had to say about the whole experience and why she made the move.

Q: What is it about Kings Gate that made you want to move here?

A: “I know King’s School really well as it’s a historic site in Macclesfield, and when I saw that it had been sold, I was really excited that PJ Livesey bought it because I’d seen the historic developments in Didsbury and around the country.”

Q: How was the customer journey for you?

A: “The staff at PJ Livesey were so friendly and informative, they guided me through the whole process of moving.

“The home demo where the onsite manager showed me how to use the solar panels, the battery, the alarm and all of the extra features that I wasn’t used to living with was brilliant.

“There’s so much technology in this house, and I’m not so high-tech, I’m more hands on, so that support was great.”

Q: What do you like most about your home at Kings Gate?

A: “I love living in my home in Kings Gate, I live with my teenage daughter. The site is incredible, right in the centre of Macclesfield which is a historic town, and we can walk to the market, to the beautiful bars and restaurants, my daughter can walk to school, and we have all our friends living locally to us.

“When we moved in, we were so surprised because we’d moved from a historic cottage with draughty windows and creaky floors, and it was always cold. Our home at Kings Gate doesn’t seem to drop below 19 degrees because its super insulated. I love the details, so for example, I love the way the windows are wood on the inside but metal on the outside, and they’re also triple-glazed. I love how sound proof the house is because of the insultation. We’re in a busy area in the centre of Macclesfield but can’t hear any sounds from outside. The spaces are bigger than normal new build space, and the ceilings are really high. I love the living room, everyone loves it when they come in, everyone says wow, and I pretty much say wow every time I come into the house as well.”

Q: What is it about Kings Gate that sets it apart from other developments you’ve either looked at, or are nearby?

A: “PJ Livesey pays such attention to the smallest details and seems to really care about building a community not just houses.

“The fact that the development has all of these eco credentials related to it was really fantastic for me, it means the bills are cheap as we don’t really pay any electricity bills in the summer because we have the solar panels.

“Also, the marketing and sales team were very friendly and caring, they really promoted this idea that they’re building a community, and I think that sets PJ Livesey apart from other companies.”

Q: What is it about Kings Gate that made you want to move here?

A: “I know King’s School really well as it’s a historic site in Macclesfield, and when I saw that it had been bought, I was really excited that PJ Livesey bought it because I’d seen the historic developments in Didsbury and around the country.”

Q: How was the customer journey for you?

A: “The staff at PJ Livesey were so friendly and informative, they guided me through the process of moving. From the home demo where the onsite manager showed me how to use the solar panels, the battery, how the alarm worked, and all of the extra features that I wasn’t used to living with.

“There’s so much technology in this house, and I’m not so high-tech, I’m more hands-on, so that support was great.”

Q: What do you like most about your home at Kings Gate?

A: “I love living in my home in Kings Gate, I live here with my teenage daughter.

“First of all, the site is incredible, in the centre of Macclesfield which is a historic town, and we can walk to the market, to the beautiful bars and restaurants, my daughter can walk to school, and we have all our friends living locally to us.

“When we moved in, we were so surprised because we’d moved from a historic cottage with draughty windows and creaky floors, and it was always cold. So when we moved in here, we found that it doesn’t seem to drop below 19 degrees because it’s super insulated.”

“I love the spaces, they’re bigger than normal new-build space, and the ceilings are really high. Even this room, everyone says wow, and I pretty much say wow every time I come into the house as well.”

Jo’s experience highlights everything that makes Kings Gate special – heritage, sustainability, and a welcoming community, and now, you have the chance to be part of it.

The iconic Main School building, built in 1910, is being beautifully transformed into The Residence, a collection of 26 unique, high-specification 1, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Each home offers private outdoor spaces and dedicated parking, combining historic charm with modern living.

With over 70% already reserved, now is the time to secure your dream home at Kings Gate. Don’t miss out – book your viewing today!

Discover Your Dream Home at The Retreat, Parbold

27

March, 2025

Discover Your Dream Home

Exceptional properties available at The Retreat, Parbold

Having launched The Retreat last summer, our team are working hard restoring the main building into 10 converted homes and laying the groundwork for our 13 newly built homes.

Fresh off the back of launching the marketing suite and having met a few interested locals on site already, we’re excited to reveal a bit more about the newly built, eco-friendly homes and their state-of-the-art features

Nestled in the charming village of Parbold, The Retreat offers an exclusive collection of homes that perfectly blend modern luxury with eco-conscious living. A mix of 2-5-bedroom homes, The Retreat offers residents the chance to relax and recharge – hence the name, The Retreat! Have a read below of all the different options on offer and learn more about our exclusive preview event coming up.

Newly Built Energy Efficient Houses at The Retreat
Current Availability

The Hayle
5 Bedrooms | Detached | 3 Floors

Designed for families who crave space and style, The Hayle includes:
• Dedicated living and dining spaces, plus a luxurious balcony
• An integral garage and private garden
• Prices starting from £1,100,000
Click here for more details >

The Kingsley
4 Bedrooms | Detached | 2 Floors

Perfect for modern living, this home features:
• Two en-suites and a family bathroom
• An open-plan kitchen and dining area that’s ideal for entertaining
• Prices starting from £999,950
Click here for more details >

Eco-Friendly Enhancements
At The Retreat, sustainability meets luxury. Each newly built home is equipped with eco-friendly features such as:
• A-rated EPC certification for energy efficiency
• Solar panels and optional solar battery storage
• EV charging points for green commuting

Experience Parbold Living
Located in the heart of West Lancashire, Parbold offers a perfect blend of countryside charm and modern convenience. The village boasts picturesque surroundings, a welcoming community, and excellent transport links, making it an ideal place to call home.

Ready to find your perfect home? Register your interest today and a member of the team will be in touch!

Mr & Mrs Hicks Set to Move into St James Park

19
March, 2025

Mr & Mrs Hicks Set to Move into St James Park

They have secured one of our stunning conversion properties

We’re thrilled to announce that the Hicks family will soon be joining the St James Park community. They have secured one of our stunning conversion properties within the Gothic-style, Grade II listed building that once formed part of the former St James Hospital.

While their new home is currently being prepared as our first show home, we are excited to offer registered clients an exclusive preview event on the 22nd and 23rd of March. This is a unique opportunity to be among the first to step inside this beautifully restored development before its national launch in April.

Q: What made you choose a PJ Livesey property?

A: “We originally considered buying a new-build property, but when we visited St James Park and saw the period conversions, we were blown away. Having seen some of PJ Livesey’s other developments around the UK, we knew we were making a great decision.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to about moving into St James Park?

A: “Just experiencing something a little different! We’ve always lived in the hustle and bustle of the city, so being able to relax in this little oasis is something truly special.”

St James Park is home to 151 beautifully converted residences, set within a collection of handsome Grade II listed buildings surrounded by mature parkland. The Hicks family’s future home is located in the Goddard section, where some properties feature stunning mezzanine landings and charming original details.

Alongside our heritage conversions, we are proud to offer a collection of newly built, eco-friendly 3, 4, and 5-bedroom homes designed for modern living. With over 70% already sold, these contemporary homes blend seamlessly with the historic surroundings, offering sustainable, energy-efficient living in this exceptional setting.

– Be Among the First to View St James Park –

Our first show home will be available to view exclusively for registered clients during our preview event on the 22nd and 23rd of March. To secure your place and be among the first to experience this stunning development ahead of its national launch in April, contact our sales team today.

Preserving Heritage and Green Spaces

12

March, 2025

Preserving Heritage and Green Spaces

Local Parbold church group, awarded Ralph Brocklehurst Legacy Funding

We are delighted to announce The Burial Ground Working Group at Christ Church in Parbold is the latest recipient of the Ralph Brocklehurst Legacy Fund, receiving £1,000 towards the replacement of fencing and other improvements as part of the church’s burial ground extension project.

The burial ground at Christ Church, also known as the “Church on the Hill,” is a cherished community space, offering a place of remembrance, reflection, and natural beauty. However, the existing fencing along the northernmost boundary is in a state of disrepair. Thanks to the Legacy Fund grant, alongside a contribution from Parbold Parish Council, this work can now be completed – preserving the site for future use and ensuring it remains a safe, natural space for the community to continue to enjoy.

To mark the award, Chairman of the Burial Ground Working Group, May Blake, welcomed representatives from Christ Church Parbold and the Working Group to express their gratitude to the Fund’s trustees. She said:
“I am delighted to be here this morning as Chairman of the Burial Ground Working Group to welcome Jonathon Hickling and Derek Ashcroft, members of the Christ Church Parbold Working Group.

“On behalf of Christ Church Parbold, I would like to express our grateful thanks to the Trustees of the Ralph Brocklehurst Legacy Fund for their generous donation of £1,000, together with a small donation from Parbold Parish Council, towards the much-needed replacement fencing on site. The existing fencing is in a bad state of disrepair, and the replacement fencing will help ensure the safety of those visiting the graves of loved ones.”

The Burial Ground Working Group, which includes Jonathon Hickling, Derek Ashcroft, Kim Woods, and Margaret Atherton, is a voluntary group dedicated to maintaining the improving the church’s vast grounds. Their ongoing work is ensuring that the burial ground extension is completed with care and respect for its surroundings, while creating a safe space for the community to enjoy for generations to come.

Georgina Lynch, Managing Director of PJ Livesey, added: “The Burial Ground Working group tipifies what the Ralph Brocklehurst Fund is all about. A fantastic group of people working incredibly hard to make a difference in their village. Christ Church is a staple of the local community, and it’s important that groups like this get the right support to help maintain and improve the green spaces that we all cherish in our communities.

“We welcome all sorts of applications for the fund – any individuals or groups working on projects to improve community green spaces or gardens, big or small are encouraged to get in touch! As developers, we have a duty of care to support and help improve the communities in the locations we work in, whether that’s Parbold, Macclesfield, Portsmouth, or York.”

The former Convent of Notre Dame, just outside the lovely West Lancashire village of Parbold, which has just been named one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live, is being transformed into a collection of beautifully converted historic buildings and originally designed new homes. Situated just a 10-minute walk from Parbold village centre, The Retreat will offer great local amenities and convenient transport links.

The grounds of this 6.5-acre site will be just as significant as the properties, providing a place for residents to relax and recharge. The mature trees will be retained, hedged walkways and formal gardens will be restored, paths reopened, and new areas of reflection and contemplation created.

The Ralph Brocklehurst Legacy Fund continues to support community-led projects that protect and enhance green spaces and heritage sites. To find out more about the fund and how to appliy, please click here

PJ Livesey and Arighi Bianchi collaborate

09

January, 2025

PJ Livesey and Arighi Bianchi collaborate

On an exclusive £1million showcase home in Macclesfield

Two iconic family-run businesses, PJ Livesey and Arighi Bianchi, have joined forces to bring even more brilliance to The Alexander, a £1 million property at the prestigious King’s Gate development in Macclesfield.

With over 40 years of experience, specialist heritage developer PJ Livesey is renowned for successfully restoring heritage properties like the former King’s School in Macclesfield, to create bespoke, high-end homes, alongside innovative, low-carbon new builds, blending heritage preservation with modern living.

Kathryn Mitchelhill, Head of Interior Design at PJ Livesey, shared her vision: “We wanted to do something truly unique with The Alexander. The upper floor in particular, lends itself to a boutique-style aesthetic, and we wanted to create a real ‘wow’ moment for visitors as they ascend the staircase into the space.

“When it came to dressing the rooms, Arighi Bianchi was our first choice. Not only do we share strong synergies as family businesses, but their local roots and breathtaking signature pieces made them the perfect partner for this project.”

Director, Nick Bianchi, visited The Alexander as it neared completion, to view the space first hand. Within a week, Arighi Bianchi’s bespoke furniture and signature collections, selected by PJ Livesey’s interior team had transformed the four-bedroom home into a showcase of contemporary elegance.

The collaboration has resulted in a beautifully curated home that blends heritage architecture with cutting-edge interior design.

Brand-new images of The Alexander have been released this week, showcasing the newly dressed spaces. An exclusive champagne reception and preview event is also planned for January, where visitors will have the opportunity to explore this remarkable property.

Georgina Lynch, Managing Director at PJ Livesey, expressed her delight in the partnership: “This is a fantastic collaboration. Bringing together two well-established, local family businesses for this £1 million project felt like a natural fit from the start.

“Huge thanks to the team at Arighi Bianchi for their exceptional work, and to everyone involved for making this vision a reality.”

The Alexander is part of a larger collection of 81 homes at King’s Gate, including both converted and newly built properties. The Grade II listed Main School building is currently undergoing conversion to create 36 elegant heritage homes, which are set for completion next year. The final phase, West Gate, has just been unveiled and includes a mix of eco-friendly mews-style homes and apartments.

As PJ Livesey and Arighi Bianchi continue to set the standard for luxury living, The Alexander stands as a shining example of how thoughtful design and local collaboration can bring history back to life.

Final Set of Homes Revealed at Kings Gate

05
December, 2024

Final Phase of Homes Revealed

Set within our exclusive address Kings Gate, Macclesfield

We’ve unveiled new images of the final set of homes at Kings Gate, formerly the iconic King’s School in Macclesfield.

West Gate, a mix of eco-friendly mews-style homes and apartments, is currently under construction. These homes will showcase the signature PJ Livesey architectural style, as seen in Phase One at Kings Gate and other developments across the UK.

Newly released images reveal high-specification contemporary living spaces, with stunning views over the central green space.

These homes will also feature cutting-edge energy-saving technology, allowing residents to reduce their energy bills. This includes triple-glazed windows, EV charging points, solar panels, and homes built to the highest EPC rating of A.

The development forms part of a collection of 81 converted and newly built homes. The Grade II listed Main School Building is currently being restored into 36 elegant heritage homes, expected to be completed next year.

The site is rich in history, with King’s School being one of the oldest in the country, tracing its origins back to 1502. Originally known as “The Free Grammar School of King Edward VI,” the school moved to its Cumberland Road location in 1854. In 2020, it relocated to a purpose-built facility in Prestbury, and the 5.3-acre site was granted planning permission for conversion into housing.

Gavin Pearce, Group Sales Manager of PJ Livesey, commented: “It feels like yesterday when we first put spades in the ground at Kings Gate. We’re incredibly proud to be unveiling the final phase of homes, which are already contributing to the thriving community we’re building.

“Sites like Kings Gate not only give us the chance to restore stunning heritage buildings but also to create new homes that meet the highest standards of quality and energy efficiency. Our mews-style houses and apartments will bring something unique to this community, and we’re excited to share more soon.”