DE TRAFFORD, the developer behind The Roof Gardens, a new scheme of houses and apartments with roof terraces on Chester Road, has pledged work will finally begin in late summer to early autumn.
“Contractors have not yet been formally agreed but we hope to be on site from August to September and rather than build in stages, we will complete the entire scheme in one go.”
Just as well. De Trafford say that more than half the 71 units have already been reserved with some buyers committed to exchanging contracts before a spade has even touched the ground.
There are a couple of reasons for the delayed start.
The site sits next to St George’s Church, an archaeological dig carried out last year showed that as well as mid-nineteenth century back-to-back workers’ housing, there was also a brewery and later a brass foundry on the land. A full investigation was then carried out and the findings recorded by GMAAS for posterity.
All this was finalised just before Christmas, which should have seen contractors appointed and work starting in spring.
The developers had a change of plan.
3 Bed Townhouse
Designed by Castlefield based architects Ollier Smurthwaite, originally the development was for 49 two, three and four bed townhouses, alongside 22 one bed apartments.
But the developers decided to ask for a revision of the plans, changing some of the four bed houses into more one bed apartments. It would appear Town Hall has agreed.
De Trafford says the amends only reflect demand, one beds are always going to be more attractive off-plan than four bed family homes.
The original Roof Gardens story on Confidential back in September 2013 provoked a healthy debate about single aspect properties and size.
People investing in a house to live in, especially at these values, need to see the product, or at least a start on site and a definite time scale before committing. So it’s a shame they did not keep the faith, and a shame the planners did not insist on the original mix.
De Trafford Estates director Gary Jackson said: “The financing is in place and we are ready to start. There has been huge interest in the scheme and terrific demand for the one beds which is why we asked for a revision and changed some of the larger houses into more one bedroom apartments.
“Contractors have not yet been formally agreed but we hope to be on site from August to September and rather than build in stages, we will complete the entire scheme in one go.”
The interiors look good on the CGIs, with a suggestion that 'consideration is given to ideas to highlight the site's heritage in respect of the old brewery'. Free beer, perhaps?
More on The Roof Gardens here.
Kitchen
