Date: 12.04.06
Source: First Wakefield District Development Agency
All of the 39 apartments released in the first phase of the Waterfront Wakefield development were snapped up “within hours”
The apartments, ranging from a studio flat at £89,950 to a top-floor apartment with views over the River Calder at £199,950, were bought during the residential launch on Saturday 8th May.
Oliver Quarmby, of CTP St. James who are transforming the City’s historic waterfront into a mixed-use development of international significance, commented:
“This was a tremendous result and a resounding endorsement for the development. It is especially rewarding after 10 years hard work. The amount of interest generated confirms Wakefield as a serious and viable commercial prospect. This puts Wakefield on the map.”
Guy Ackernley of agents King Sturge said:
“We were absolutely delighted with the interest shown in this development. We were busy from the moment the doors were opened on site and all 39 apartments were sold within hours. The demand was incredible.”
CTP St James is now considering when to release the remaining 19 apartments in Hebble Wharf. It is likely to be later this year with further releases in other buildings at the Waterfront to follow as buildings and the development in general are brought forward.
The £100M Waterfront Wakefield project features an imaginative mix of high quality offices and residential buildings and the ground-breaking £26M new gallery and centre for creative arts, The Hepworth Wakefield, as well as new space for cafes, bars and restaurants. It covers approximately 10 acres and will provide in the region of 500,000 sq ft of mixed-use development accommodation.
Councillor Phil Dobson, Deputy Leader of Wakefield City Council and cabinet member for regeneration, said:
“This development is fantastic news for the people of Wakefield, who have been waiting for this for a long time. It is one of the most important regeneration projects in the history of the City and it is something we can all be very proud of.”
The granting of planning permission in November last year meant that the European Regional Development Fund has released £8.1M to support the project and Yorkshire Forward is now giving £9M to kick-start the rejuvenation of the area. The grants were procured by Wakefield Council and CTP St James and are for highways, flood defence works, landscaping and repairs to historic buildings.
The completed development, which will also feature substantial public spaces and formal gardens, will add a new dimension to Wakefield centre by opening up a southern gateway to the City.
