Ridgeford Properties Enters a New Phase in its Plans for the Ultimate 'Urban Village'

LONDON, October 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of London's traditionally bohemian areas, Fitzrovia has always attracted the most creative minds of the time: from such literary elite as Virginia Woolfe, Dylan Thomas and George Orwell to the artists and media professionals of today.

It is an area buzzing with eclecticism that has absorbed influences from its more recognised but still characteristic neighbours - Soho, Marylebone and Bloomsbury - to create a village-like hub, buzzing with energy. However, beyond its surrounding neighbourhoods Fitzrovia is relatively unknown and doesn't form part of the nearby well-trodden tourist tracks. Not for much longer though...

Ridgeford Properties, a leading London-based property development company, and Manhattan Loft Corporation, recognised Fitzrovia's potential several years ago and formed a joint venture partnership to provide the area with its first new build mixed-use scheme - the Fitzrovia Apartments.

Sean Murray, Chairman of Ridgeford Properties Limited, added: "We identified Fitzrovia's potential several years ago - which is highlighted by the success our development at nearby Weymouth Street - and tracked this site for some time. We brought Manhattan Loft in as partners for the development of Fitzrovia Apartments, which is another landmark project that will cement the area's rising position as one of the most desirable locations in central London".

According to Harry Handelsman, CEO of Manhattan Loft Corporation: "Fitzrovia is one of the true gems that make London a great city and it is rapidly re-emerging as a key location for cool, urban living - 21st century style It has undergone regeneration over the last decade, and the Fitzrovia Apartments continues this transformation in the original spirit of Manhattan Loft".

As a testament to the Fitzrovia's increasing status, the BT Tower has recently decided to re-open its 34th floor revolving restaurant (due to welcome diners by the end of 2011) and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason has recently launched a private member's club at One Alfred Place.

Fitzrovia Apartments' architects, HOK, were commissioned to undertake the project in two phases, the first of which was completed in December 2009 and comprises 24 luxury private apartments, two penthouses, 14 affordable apartments and a state of the art diagnostic centre for the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. Ridgeford Properties and Manhattan Loft were delighted with the success of phase one: all private apartments were quickly sold and the hospital is up and running, after its official opening by the Duke of York officially in April.

With the multi-coloured, glass fin facade of the first floors of the hospital set off against the strong geometric cladding and limestone and zinc materials of the floors above, the development has already established itself as a landmark piece of design in Fitzrovia.

Fortunately, for those who still wish for a slice of this exciting new development Manhattan Loft and Ridgeford Properties Ltd. are delighted to announce that the second phase is now underway. This new phase will encompass 44 luxury apartments and a 3,229 ftsquared Grade II listed office building.

These apartments, due for completion towards the end of 2012, include one, two and three-bedroom options and will be finished to an exceptional level. The immaculate interiors, as directed by MAKE, will include high performance appliances and sleek stone surfaces in the kitchens as well as walnut engineered timber flooring in entrance halls and reception areas. This quality extends to the common areas, where a double height entrance hall, complete with 24-hour concierge, will lead to a landscaped, inner courtyard to provide a tranquil respite from the hubbub of city life. Moreover, the artist and photographer, Peter Lavery, has been commissioned to undertake the art throughout Fitzrovia Apartments. Secure underground parking will also be available to residents.

As the only new build residential scheme currently underway in Fitzrovia, coupled with development's striking architectural merits, there is no doubt that the second phase will prove as popular as the first. For potential buyers, Fitzrovia Apartments provides an opportunity to not only invest in a development shaped by the innovative minds of Ridgeford Properties and Manhattan Loft but to also buy into a neighbourhood which is teeming with "cool... 21st century style".

    41-51 Bolsover Street, London W1 Fact Sheet:
    Phase 1 - completed

    - 26 private luxury apartments - including two stunning penthouse
    properties

    - 14 affordable units - owned and managed by Paddington Churches Housing
    Association - a not for profit organisation with charitable status

    - a 26,910 sq ft (2,500 sq m) state-of-the-art, fully fitted diagnosis
    centre for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

    Phase 2 - set for completion in mid 2012

    - a further 60 apartments - 44 private with 16 social rental affordable
    units

    - a standalone modern studio office totalling 3,229 sq ft (300 sq m).

Phasing of the nine storey development programme enabled the outpatients facility to remain fully operational while the new diagnostics centre was built on the southern half of the site.

The development has many environmental initiatives, with the apartments being built to an EcoHomes rating of 'Very Good' and the medical facility achieving a NEAT (NHS Environmental Assessment Tool) rating of 'Excellent'. The scheme includes a green roof and ground source heat pump system that will provide 10% of the development's overall energy requirement. There is also a beautifully landscaped internal courtyard, secure underground car park and cycle store.

The development is situated in Fitzrovia just 100 yards from Great Portland Street tube station and a stone's throw from the trendy shops and restaurants of Fitzrovia, nearby Marylebone Village and Oxford Street. Regent's Park and Regent's Park tube station are located within a three-minute walk.

    The Bolsover Street Phase 1 development team was:

    - JV developer: Ridgeford Properties Ltd & Manhattan Loft Corporation -
    (Bolsover Street Ltd)

    - Main contractor: John Sisk & Son Ltd

    - Architect:  HOK

    - Structural engineer: Alan Baxter & Associates

    - Quantity surveyor: Gardiner & Theobold

    - Mechanical electrical engineer: Maleon

    - Interior design:  MAKE

    - Development management: Ridgeford Consulting Ltd.

SOURCE Ridgeford Properties