Introducing chic city living to the suburbs of Leeds is the aim of Harrogate based Avenir Properties, who are about to embark on their third “designer” development.
Last year, Avenir took the conscious decision to look outside the burgeoning city centre for development opportunities, at the same time as forging a unique working relationship with an international fashion designer.
Ben De Lisi, whose creations are favoured by a host of Hollywood A-list stars, has already played a pivotal role in the individual design of Avenir homes in both Alwoodley in North Leeds, and Rawdon, in West Leeds.
The New Yorker’s talents are being harnessed yet again as the company starts work on its latest suburban project, in Horsforth. Avenir and de Lisi are to transform a former car showroominto a development of 14 one, two and three bedroom apartments.
These properties will make the perfect home for commuters looking to live in an already established community, again something that the new, impersonal city centre blocks can’t provide. Located on Station Road, Horsforth, not only will the development sit right in the heart of the community, but has the huge advantage of being within easy walking distance to the train station.
To set itself apart from other developers whose claim that their properties are also designer-led can sometimes be slightly exaggerated, Avenir has launched its own designer label – Space by Ben de Lisi. This will give those looking for a designer property the reassurance that Ben has been directly involved in the conceptual stages, and beyond.
Avenir Properties sales manager Amanda Brayshaw said: “Suburbia is where we are and where we will continue to be. We didn’t want to follow the pack and look at sites in the city centre, as we believe there is a glut of apartments there and the boom will shortly come to an end.
“We wanted to find opportunities in suburban settings, and in a short period of time three excellent Leeds locations have been acquired by us.”
The first, 564 The Place, on Harrogate Road, Alwoodley, has been a huge success for Avenir, and only a few of these unique one and two bedroom apartments remain. In fact, such was the excitement surrounding this highly individual scheme that within the first hour of the marketing suite being opened a high level of sales were achieved.
Rawdon, the second Space by Ben De Lisi development, is a slightly different proposition to 564 The Place. This involves the conversion of the former Littlemoor School - a listed Victorian school building - into eight elegant town houses, which in turn will sit alongside 14 two and three bedroom apartments.
Named Park Place and Park Square, work on this development has just begun and should be completed by next Spring. These properties have the added feature of designated off-road parking and will be built making extensive use of natural materials, including stone and slate.
Amanda added: “Launching Space by Ben de Lisi has also been a very exciting concept for all of us, as it not only strengthens our partnership with him, it also sets us apart from other developers.
“It’s also important to add another key ingredient for our suburban schemes is Opel Construction. We have worked successfully with this builder on
a number of projects and they give an extremely high level of service and satisfaction.”
Avenir’s quest to create superb suburban settlements isn’t limited to Leeds. The company is casting its across the whole of West Yorkshire and has already acquired a site in Wakefield. With further sites to be announced soon, it promises to be an extremely busy time ahead for both Avenir and its famous designer.
Further information about 564 The Place, Park Place/Park Square and the Horsforth development can be obtained by calling the Avenir sales team on 01423 526 682.
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