October start for £48m Ordsall apartments

3 June 2019 10:30 Charlie Schouten Comments (0)

After purchasing the site earlier this year, housing provider ForViva is searching for a contractor to deliver the 389-home project, a sister scheme to the neighbouring Bridgewater Wharf.

ForViva purchased the site in January this year and is now planning to bring forward a series of apartment blocks and duplex homes. NW Build, a Liverpool-based developer, previously secured planning permission for the site around two years ago.

The site currently has planning consent for 375 homes, although housing numbers are expected to increase with planners to approve an expansion to 389 under delegated powers. There will be a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments along with three and four-bedroom duplexes.

There are also three commercial units facing onto Ordsall Lane along with 95 undercover parking spaces. ForViva has now started the search to appoint a contractor and is aiming to start work in October this year, with completion expected in August 2022.

The scheme borders Fortis’ Bridgewater Wharf, a near-identical project which will deliver 376 apartments; this site has already been cleared, with the developer targeting a 2020 completion date.

Both these developments secured planning permission in 2017 and have been designed by architect Purcell.

Falconer Chester Hall is attached to ForViva’s project as delivery architect; the winning contractor will be expected to work with FCH and fellow consultant Clancy on the scheme. Under the tender, the main contractor will also be required to use ForViva group business Liberty to deliver M&E works on the scheme. The contract has an estimated value of £48m.

ForViva’s housing arm, ForHousing, will ultimately own and operate the apartments once complete.