Go Green and Save Money at Parbold

21
November, 2024

Go Green and Save Money at Parbold

Sustainable Living at The Retreat, Parbold: Where Heritage Meets Innovation

We are thrilled to introduce The Retreat, an inspiring new P J Livesey project that combines the thoughtful conversion of the historic Notre Dame convent site in Parbold Lancashire with a collection of stunning, newly built eco-friendly homes nestled within its grounds. This unique development blends heritage and sustainability, preserving the character of the original buildings while introducing cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies that respect and enhance their surroundings.

Sustainability Through Repurposing
Converting the existing heritage buildings at The Retreat is inherently sustainable, as it maximizes the use of existing materials and reduces the need for new resources. This approach not only preserves architectural charm and history but also avoids the carbon footprint associated with demolition and new construction. These conversions seamlessly integrate modern efficiency with the timeless elegance of the original structures, delivering character-filled homes that meet today’s environmental standards.

Eco-Friendly New Builds Sympathetic to Heritage Grounds
The high specification newly built homes at The Retreat are designed with both sustainability and the natural beauty of the site in mind. These homes sit harmoniously within the historic grounds, complimenting their surroundings while leading the way in energy efficiency.

Energy Production
• Solar Panels: Newly built homes feature solar panels, enabling homeowners to generate renewable electricity on-site.
• Battery Storage Options: Buyers can opt to upgrade to advanced battery systems, storing energy for later use, further reducing reliance on the grid and lowering energy bills.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points: Each new home includes an EV charging point, preparing residents for a greener future as the shift to electric cars accelerates.

Energy Retention
• Triple-Glazed Windows: These high-performance windows ensure warmth in winter, coolness in summer, and a significant reduction in noise pollution.
• Advanced Insulation: Both new builds and converted properties are equipped with premium insulation, ensuring a steady indoor temperature with minimal energy use.

Efficient Equipment
• A-Rated Energy Performance: Every newly built home at The Retreat boasts an A-rated EPC, reflecting their top-tier energy efficiency.
• Low-Flow Taps & Heat Recovery: Innovative features like low-flow fixtures and smart wastewater heat recovery systems minimize water and energy wastage.
• State-of-the-Art Appliances: Superior appliances and heating systems help reduce energy costs while maintaining a luxurious living environment.

Modern Comfort Meets Timeless Elegance
Whether you choose a bespoke new build or a thoughtfully converted historic home, you’ll benefit from modern comforts without sacrificing character. Our conversions transform period properties into energy-efficient homes, while preserving the charm of 19th-century architecture.

Don’t miss the chance to live in a 21st-century home steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Register your interest below and take the first step towards a tranquil and sustainable lifestyle at The Retreat.

Exclusive First Look

07
Novmeber, 2024

Exclusive first look at St. James Park, Southsea

We’ve unveiled Phase I preview information to pre-registered clients

Recently, we hosted an exclusive preview event, offering local community members and early registered clients a first look at the highly anticipated Phase One releases at St. James Park—a collection of high-specification, newly built, and converted homes at the former St. James Hospital site.

This initial phase boasts eco-friendly features, dedicated parking, and premium finishes that set these homes apart.

After a sneak peek a few weeks ago, we were thrilled to reveal more of what makes St. James Park unique.

Originally built as the city’s asylum, the impressive Grade II listed buildings are being sensitively transformed into 151 homes, alongside 58 newly built residences. During the event, attendees viewed CGIs, specifications, and animations showcasing the first newly built homes available in Phase One.

After engaging conversations about the development’s rich history, stunning location, and advanced energy-saving technology, we’re pleased to announce that the first off-plan reservations were secured at the event.

In response to this enthusiasm, we have decided to release four 2, 3 and 4 bedroom beautifully converted properties within the historic hospital building.

Our Head of Client Journey, Rebecca Drinkwater, commented:

“It was an incredibly inspiring event. We welcomed so many people eager to learn more about living at St. James Park, and the demand for appointments has been unprecedented.

This site is an essential part of the city’s heritage with a unique story to tell, and we loved learning more about its history from those we met today.

“We are passionate about giving historic buildings a new lease of life and look forward to sharing more of St. James’ story through the conversion. The next showcase event marks another exciting step, and we can’t wait to reveal our first converted properties at St. James Park.”

On 16th and 17th November, four properties in the Goddard section will be showcased, offering guests a first look at this stunning collection of converted homes.

A huge thank you to everyone who has shown interest in St. James Park so far. We loved hearing your enthusiasm for the site’s history and Southsea in general. We look forward to seeing you at our next event on 16th & 17th November!

If you’re interested in the development or would like to arrange your preview appointment please register your interest and a member of our team will be delighted to answer your questions you may have as well as provide insight into our homes within this historic site.

Delivering Heritage Homes to Weaver Vale Housing Trust

11
October, 2024

Delivering Heritage Homes to Weaver Vale

We’ve handed over the keys to Weaver Vale Housing Trust for two affordable homes

Specialist property developer PJ Livesey has officially handed over the keys to two new affordable homes to Weaver Vale Housing Trust, which will market them through its shared ownership arm, Prospa Homes.

The homes are located within the former cricket pavilion at King’s Gate, Macclesfield, which has been preserved and restored by the heritage developer.

Previous development proposals had mandated the demolition of the cricket pavilion to make way for new houses. However, upon taking over the project, PJ Livesey advocated for the restoration of the existing building.

Originally built to honor the pupils who lost their lives in World War I, the pavilion has been transformed into two unique one-bedroom homes that blend historical charm with modern living.

These affordable homes also feature eco-friendly amenities, including EV car charging points, and both come with dedicated parking spaces.

PJ Livesey Group Managing Director, Georgina Lynch, said: “King’s Gate is a very special development, and we are very pleased to be partnering with Weaver Vale to save another significant building on this historic site.

All the homes are completed to PJ Livesey’s exacting standards of excellence, and we are particularly proud that the original school cricket pavilion will now provide two unique and affordable homes.

We have also converted the school’s original library and the main school building into stunning new homes. It’s a privilege for us to secure the future of these wonderful buildings, which are such a huge part of Macclesfield’s heritage.”

The family-run PJ Livesey Group, based in the North West, has spent over 40 years transforming some of the finest historic properties into new homes.

They later expanded to include newly built homes, creating bespoke designs for each project. The company was recently selected as one of Homes England’s preferred delivery partners.

Portsmouth Development Update

09
October, 2024

St James Park, Southsea

Updates on The former St. James Hospital in Portsmouth and it’s rebrand

ST. JAMES PARK, SOUTHSEA
In 2023, we secured planning approval to transform the former St James hospital in Portsmouth into a new community, providing a new lease of life for the historic buildings and creating much needed new homes. Now rebranded St. James Park, Southsea and with works progressing on site, we’re excited to prepare provisional Phase I information for release soon on this prominently positioned development on the south coast.

St. James Park, Southsea will include 151 beautifully converted homes situated within the iconic and complex listed buildings as well as 58 energy efficient newly built houses in the grounds that surround it.

The gothic-style Grade II listed former hospital buildings and grounds present a truly unique setting and an opportunity to deliver a stunning collection of restored and newly built homes. We’re excited to share the latest on what’s happening on site as well as how interested parties can stay right up to date with what’s coming up over the next few months.

AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER
Last week we released our new brand for the development, which was designed to showcase the building’s grand façade whilst echoing the developments history by retaining part of its original name.

This marked an important step for St. James Park and we’re delighted to now begin sharing the first of many updates to come over the next few months.

We will be giving registered clients an opportunity to preview first-phase plans of a limited collection of newly built homes at the end of October. We will also be giving interested buyers the chance to meet our friendly team to discuss what’s on offer at St. James Park, Southsea now and in the future with the launch of our onsite Marketing Suite.

To receive exclusive information about our October preview event, make sure to register your interest in St. James Park, Southsea by clicking here to get all the info.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON SITE
We’ve been on site since the beginning of the year undertaking preparatory work, with the first phase of newly built houses now rising out of the ground with foundations in and steel frames being erected to the west of the site.

As part of our future aims for the development, we will be working on plans for the cricket pitch and pavilion to be restored and upgraded, allowing for Portsmouth & Southsea Cricket Club to continue using this unique facility for many years to come. We also hope the new clubhouse will also be available for various community uses once restored.

Make sure to keep an eye out across our socials and check back on our website for more info about St James Park as we release it.

First look | Parbold Redevelopment

17
June, 2024

First Look | Parbold Redevelopment

First look at the planned redevelopment of Lancashire’s historic former convent revealed

We’ve unveiled a first look at the plans to restore Lancaster House, a Victorian former convent in Parbold village, into a community of 23 exemplary homes.

The first artist impression of what the stunning restored historic villa will look like once complete has now been revealed for this stunning development now rebranded as, The Retreat.

First built in 1845 for local industrialist Hugh Ainscough, Lancaster House later became the home of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, being used as a convent from 1929 for over 90 years.

Plans to transform the historic site were unanimously approved last year. Now, enabling work has started to ready the walled 6.5 acre plot for its transformation.

Set to be available for buyers to reserve off-plan this summer, The Retreat will see the main house sensitively refurbished and repurposed into four grand heritage homes, with original retained features including a sweeping staircase and ornate ceilings. Other historic properties, including an adjoining cottage and stables, will also be reimagined into homes.

Elsewhere, energy efficient new homes will sit sensitively alongside the old. They’ll be built to the highest energy-efficiency ratings and feature extensive insulation, solar panels, EV charging facilities, triple glazing, underfloor heating and mechanical ventilation systems. To further upgrade the property the company also offers the option to purchase a solar battery storage unit.

The extensive walled gardens are set to become a major selling point.

Mature trees, hedged walkways, quiet seating spots and tranquil formal gardens will surround the properties, with re-opened paths creating a new trail for people to soak up the surrounding nature.

Georgina Lynch, Managing Director at PJ Livesey Group, said:

“Lancaster House and the surrounding historic buildings have beautiful bones, but they’re in need of care and attention. We’re proud to be starting work to restore and repurpose the site, writing the next chapter in a way that preserves and celebrates its lengthy past.

“Once done, The Retreat will be a truly special place to live. Whether people go for the historic homes or the neighbouring energy efficient new homes, all will enjoy the unique setting of the peaceful walled gardens within walking distance of the bustling village centre. We’re excited to get going on site and reveal more.”

Set in rural West Lancashire but with good rail links to Manchester and Liverpool, Parbold is fast becoming a desirable village. Homes at The Retreat will be available to reserve off-plan from summer 2024 and are expected to be completed in 2025.

Those wanting to be the first to receive information on the homes can register using the button below.

Jamie’s Testimonial | Kings Gate Macclesfield

12
June, 2024

Making new Memories at King’s Gate Macclesfield

Jamie and his son are also totally smitten with Macclesfield

Jamie and his teenage son swapped a period property for a contemporary, energy efficient home at our King’s Gate development in Macclesfield and could not be happier.

After 20 years in Alderley, Cheshire, he realised it would be better to be part of a busy community rather than in a semi-rural location which involved driving everywhere and he wanted a new build property that would not need maintenance and so began his search around the Cheshire hot spots of Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Prestbury.

He said: “We looked at several new build developments but they were actually not very nice! Not much character or distinction and all very samey. I was looking for a company that was doing something that little bit different, with that added extra something.”

When he heard that PJ Livesey had acquired the former King’s School site he took a closer look.

Jamie said: “My son goes to school in Macclesfield but in all honestly had not considered moving here. But the more I researched about PJ Livesey the more I liked. Their back catalogue of projects is fascinating and I really like the mix between heritage and new build and every site is totally different.

“We went to look at what they had built in Didsbury and loved the contemporary properties so I registered for King’s Gate and when the show home opened we went to look and both went Wow! We want one!”

He reserved a Wilmot house type which is spread over two floors with private garden and a set-back balcony on the top floor overlooking the large green open space and across to the historic school buildings.

He said: “It’s like having our own Grand Design house! The rooms are really big, big spaces with high ceilings and flooded with light.

“And with the solar panels and power storage it is also incredibly energy efficient with basically free electricity! The boiler tells you how much you are using and how much power is left in the battery which makes you feel in control.”

Jamie and his son are also totally smitten with Macclesfield.

He said: “It has a large and really thriving centre with great places to meet and eat like The Picture Dome and BoHotel and we love the Treacle Market once a month. It has an independent cinema and pubs like The Castle playing live music.

“My son can be independent and walk into town to meet friends for a coffee or walk to the train station and catch the train into Manchester at the weekend.

“It is more eclectic with a bigger mix of people than some other places which seem to have quite a sterile mono-culture. We wanted something more interesting and with its Joy Division music legacy it does have quite a creative vibe.”

Such is the appeal that his elderly parents have already reserved a one-bedroom garden apartment in The Residence.

Jamie said: “My parents are in their 80’s and live in north Wales and having visited me a couple of times absolutely love it here! Fortunately, the apartments were just being released so they have reserved one on the ground floor and it has a large garden.

“It means that we will be able to just pop across to see them or Mum can come to me for a couple of hours while Dad explores or goes for a pint! It will be lovely having them here.”

He also praised the on-site team at King’s, especially sales consultant Keith. He said: “He is absolutely incredible. Great communication all the way through and he really could not be kinder to me or my Mum and Dad. I am really glad I met him on day one and he made this all possible. He is a really lovely face of the company.”