Glenbrook’s 280-unit Vox completes

The £70m build-to-rent scheme in Cornbrook, Manchester, backed by investor Barings Real Estate, has reached practical completion and residents are expected to move in next month.

The 15-storey block contains 280 rental apartments, including 98 one-bed, 168 two-bed, and 14 three-bedroom flats. The scheme also features a rooftop residents’ lounge, gym, fitness studio and 130-metre external running track on the 15th floor.

A Co-op supermarket is to open on the ground floor in March to serve residents and the wider community.

The scheme, known as Vox, is located adjacent to Cornbrook Metrolink station and within 10 minutes’ walk from Manchester city centre.

Developer Glenbrook has appointed estate agency Allsop to manage the scheme. Graham Construction was the main contractor.

Danny Roberts, senior project manager at Glenbrook, said: “The completion of Vox is timely when you consider that the global pandemic has placed people’s health and wellbeing right at the top of the agenda.

“Although designed pre-Covid, the health and wellbeing of its residents was central to the vision, with the rooftop running track and communal areas integral features.

“We believe the finished project sets a high standard for build-to-rent developments in the UK.”

And Darren Hutchinson, managing director and head of UK real estate transactions at Barings, added: “This is an important milestone in the construction of one of Manchester’s most exciting new developments.

“Glenbrook has worked hard to deliver a high-quality product that we can both be proud of and we look forward to welcoming our first residents in due course.

“Build-to-rent has stood firm against the challenges of Covid-19 and we will be looking to deepen our exposure to the living sector more broadly in 2021.”