Placefirst picked for Bury build-to-rent scheme

Humphrey House will be converted into 74 apartments by the developer, which has been selected by the local council to transform the vacant 30,000 sq ft building.

Bury Council launched a search for a developer partner to redevelop the five-storey Angouleme Way office last year.

Placefirst, which is delivering the 167-home Deansgate Gardens in neighbouring Bolton, has emerged as the council’s preferred partner and will set about converting the building later this year.

Placefirst is no stranger to office-to-resi schemes. The developer was also behind Elevate Manchester, the conversion of a former job centre in Longsight into a build-to-rent project.

Phil Jones, development director at Placefirst, said: “Bury Council’s commitment to a people-first approach in its housing strategy aligns with our dedication to ensuring high-quality homes are available to all.

“Our commitment to delivering energy efficient homes that lower bills for residents will also ensure that this project meaningfully contributes to the positive regeneration of the town centre. We look forward to working closely in partnership with Bury Council and beginning work on site later this year.”

The planned conversion of the council-owned Humphrey House forms part of Bury’s housing strategy, which aims to “narrow gaps in inequality resulting from limited or poor opportunity to good quality safe and secure housing”.

Cllr Cummins, portfolio holder for housing at Bury Council, added: “Humphrey House is a key town centre site, which when redeveloped will offer high quality aspirational housing close to public transport links.

“The redevelopment will add to and complement dynamic regeneration plans at the adjacent market and wider reimagining of the Millgate shopping centre. Together, this will provide additional footfall to nearby traders, galvanise Bury’s day and night-time economy and provide much needed housing in the town centre.”