We’re continuing our US30 celebrations this month with a great, long-read article from Michael Parkinson CBE, who reminisces on the rise, fall and stagnation of northern cities. In the piece, Michael reflects on meeting our founders Tom and Jonathan, and how the vision and tenacity of this dynamic duo helped to turn the fortunes of places like Manchester and Liverpool around.

The Urban Splash Residential Fund has invested £15m in new off-market acquisitions, purchasing 129 fully-occupied homes in Manchester and at the newly acquired East Street Mill in Leeds – pictures of which you can see here. The purchases increase the portfolio by 41%, as fund manager Akeel Malik explains: “2023 has been a significant year of growth for us; we are moving forward with acquisitions and offering more people the chance to live in brilliantly designed homes in cities across the country.”

Once a tired 90s office block, Boat Shed in Salford Quays is now a contemporary creative hub, and this month – working with Studio R2A – we’ve refreshed more of the spaces there, redesigning a former café into a communal space for customers. All the building’s occupiers have access to the new space; a colourful, well-designed environment for meetings, chats, coffee and more, with the added bonus of great office spaces and landscaped, riverside surroundings.

Congratulations to our colleague Akeel Malik who has earned a coveted place on the 2023 Property Week list of Trailblazers. Akeel is fund manager for the Urban Splash Residential Fund and first made the list in 2019, recognition of his work in growing the portfolio to more than 430 homes. And, there was awards news from the South West, where our work in transforming Royal William Yard in Plymouth has been nominated for an Insider Award.

The Chancel once a former church consists of 22 apartments, each with their own parking space. Much of the original aesthetic remains, meaning homes here feature lovely additions like stained glass windows – as well as lots of new design features too. Apartment 3 is a 723sq ft two-bedroom apartment just a short stroll away from the Metrolink and Prestwich’s bustling bar and restaurant scene.

Once home of the legendary nightclub Sankey’s, we’ve transformed the Grade II Listed Beehive Mill into luxury offices meticulously brought back to life through careful restoration of the original floorboards and brickwork. Located within the vibrant community of Ancoats and just a five-minute walk from Piccadilly train station, Unit 3aii comprises 867 sq ft and offers a rare opportunity to work in one of Manchester’s most exciting neighbourhoods.

“Two creative Northern businesses have teamed up as award-winning regeneration company Urban Splash appoints design and innovation agency Code Computerlove with a service design brief."
Prolific North on our work with Code Computerlove, September 2023

“The latest acquisitions increase the number of homes in the portfolio by 41% to 437 homes, and add £1.3m of income to the rent roll.”
The Business Desk on the latest acquisitions for the Urban Splash Residential Fund, August 2023

“First scheme for the partnership to include 450 apartments”
React News on our latest Joint Venture with Glenbrrok at Milton Keynes, August 2023

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