Urban Splash Newsplash - September 2024
Welcome to our September 2024 edition of the Urban Splash Newsplash – your handy round-up of all the things Urban Splash
This month, there's new homes news from Port Loop in Birmingham, where we open our newest Mansion House show home on the 21 September. There's details of a prestigious award nomination for Park Hill in Sheffield - where we've been shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the second time.
There's also some updates from a summer of public consultations; we've talked to some more interesting people who've shared their stories about Urban Splash, and there's news of the latest set of annual results for the Urban Splash Residential Fund.
Read on to find out more
We’ve opened a new Mansion House show home at Port Loop in Birmingham
We’re excited to announce the opening of our new show apartment at Port Loop in Birmingham. We’re currently onsite at Mansion House, bringing 58 new apartments to life in this canalside neighbourhood, with homes now available for outright purchase or through shared ownership. The show apartment has been styled by the interiors studio San Stae, and you can explore their design approach in this new article. To experience the space for yourself, book a viewing on the link below.
Park Hill earns second RIBA Stirling Prize nomination
Park Hill in Sheffield – the Grade II Listed structure we’re redeveloping in partnership with Places for People – has been nominated for the RIBA Stirling Prize – one of the most prestigious accolades in architecture. The nomination marks the second time Park Hill has been a finalist, with its first phase shortlisted by RIBA in 2013. The news comes as Timber Wharf – our Howells-designed head office in Manchester – is shortlisted for the Architecture Today Test of Time Award, and Royal William Yard in Plymouth is nominated in the South West Business Insider Awards.
Engaging with local people in Swansea, Milton Keynes and Sheffield
Our thanks to everyone who joined our public consultation events for our newest Urban Splash places in Milton Keynes and Swansea, giving us a chance to listen to the feedback of the local communities as we shared our vision for the new neighbourhoods. Next up, we’re heading to Sheffield in early October to present our vision for Cole Brothers – the former John Lewis department store in the heart of the city – with plans our colleague Mark Latham says will “embrace the building’s past while creating something sustainable and fit for the future”.
“Urban Splash inspires students to think long-term”
As we continue to hear from leading voices in the built environment, we’ve sat down with more interesting people who’ve shared their stories. Among them is Professor Kevin Singh, Head of the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) – a prestigious institution currently recognised as being among the top five architecture schools in the world. In his article, Kevin emphasises the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, architectural practices, and companies like Urban Splash, to foster innovative future designs.
Urban Splash Residential Fund releases annual results
The Urban Splash Residential Fund has announced its results for the year ending March 2024, reporting a 25% increase in total portfolio value to £93.3 million. This growth was driven by £18.4 million in property acquisitions, expanding the portfolio by over 30% and adding £1.1 million in rental income. The Fund also maintained strong performance with financial occupancy at 97.1% and rent collection at 99.4%.
Our colleagues share their views
Our Urban Splash team will be speaking at several key industry events this autumn. On the 18th September, Simon Gawthorpe will address Building Magazine’s Fairer Deal for Housing event in Westminster, while Mark Latham will represent us at Oslo Urban Week on the 24th. Looking ahead to next month, Guy Ackernley will speak at RESI on 3rd October, and we’ll join the Academy of Urbanism conference in Manchester on the 4th.
Home of the month:
203 Mansion House, Port Loop, Birmingham
Mansion House is the latest addition at Port Loop, our award-winning, canalside neighbourhood in Birmingham. Apartment 203 is a first-floor home with bright, open-plan living areas, two comfortable bedrooms, and high ceilings that enhance the airy feel. It’s ready now and on the market for £295,000.
Workspace of the month:
2BC Beehive Mill, Manchester
Beehive Mill is a key part of Ancoats’ rich industrial heritage. As one of the city’s longest-surviving cotton mills, dating back to 1824, it has been transformed into character-filled workspaces, featuring original brickwork, exposed beams, and cast-iron columns. This 1,073 sq ft workspace is now available and well connected to the vibrant Ancoats neighbourhood.
“Growth for residential property fund as portfolio value and operating profits rise”
Business Desk - August 2024
“Park Hill makes Stirling Prize shortlist”
Place Yorkshire - August 2024
“Feedback Sought on Proposed Public Sector Hub for Swansea”
Business News Wales - August 2024
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