A new type of housing development, where house buyers work alongside an architect for an opportunity to shape their dream home and collaborate with their neighbours to design shared facilities, is coming to Nottingham. It is called Group Custom Build.
But those interested in being the first involved will need to register by 12 April to find out more about this exciting new project at The Fruit Market in the centre of Nottingham, overlooking Victoria Park and next to the redeveloped Sneinton Market.
Blueprint, the sustainable property developer, is keen to talk to interested parties and kick start Phase One of The Fruit Market. A number of people have already expressed an interest in participating in the project.
Peter Conboy, development director at Blueprint, who is heading up the project, said: “The concept of Group Custom Build offers homeowners the opportunity to work collaboratively with architects, developers and neighbours to build the homes and community they want to live in. It is a popular and proven concept in northern Europe, especially Germany, and I am very optimistic it will be popular here too. I would urge people to register their interest by the 12 April deadline to ensure they are involved right from the start of the project.”
Situated on Bath Street near Sneinton Market, The Fruit Market development will be a great mix of contemporary architectural houses and apartments in a heritage setting. The £7 million development will comprise around 40 homes and Phase One of the project has 15 homes and apartments earmarked for construction.
The front of the development overlooks Victoria Park, one of Nottingham’s largest green spaces and the recently refurbished Victoria Leisure Centre is also on the development’s doorstep.
The Fruit Market project will allow homeowners to individually customise their homes, which they will own outright, and to help design shared elements that will be owned and managed by the custom build group. The whole process will be enabled by Blueprint. “It will be a bit like designing and building your own home without the headache of starting from scratch,” according to Peter Conboy.
He added: “Sneinton Market area is the natural extension of the city centre and is set to become a thriving residential and cultural location. The former wholesale market has received a multi-million pound makeover, thanks to the commitment of Nottingham City Council, and is now ready for a new wave of people to make it their home.”
Close by is Hockley and the Lace Market/Creative Quarter, recognised as the cultural heart of the city. Just 5 minutes walk from the city centre, The Fruit Market will offer homeowners access to employment and transport links as well as bars, cafes, restaurants, shopping and cultural destinations.
Blueprint is working with progressive Nottingham architects Letts Wheeler which has a track record in innovative, sustainable and contemporary buildings. Matthew Letts, director of the business, also intends to be part of the first group of custom builders. ”For me, it’s immensely appealing to look at The Fruit Market as an opportunity to work with others, choose my neighbours and create a community all at the same time. The location also has huge appeal – in a conservation area, with green space on the doorstep and yet a short stroll to the centre of Hockley and the city centre. I am really looking forward to the project gathering momentum over the next few months.”
See more and how to register your interest at http://www.fruitmarket.info/.