AQ Site Manger scoops award in construction 'Oscars'

11 November 2008

Referred to as the construction industry 'Oscars', the regional heat of NHBC's annual 'Pride in the Job' Awards saw Nic Finden, Site Manager of Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd site, Admiralty Quarter (AQ) in Portsmouth Harbour win a 'Seal of Excellence'.

Winning site managers from across the South West region were given a much needed reason to celebrate in tough market conditions on Friday 31st October at Bournemouth ICC, when they were awarded for managing their sites to an exceptional standard and building the best quality new homes, placing them amongst the top 100 site managers in the UK.

Winner, Nic Finden who has worked for Crest Nicholson Regeneration's main contractor at AQ, Ardmore Construction Ltd, for eight years has also been shortlisted from the list of winners to compete in the national 'Pride in the Job' grand final which will be held in London in January 2009. Only four regional winners from the shortlist of 16 have been selected.

Nic comments: “After working closely with Crest Nicholson Regeneration at AQ for two and a half years, it is a great honour to be recognised for all the hard work that not only myself but the whole team have put into the project. This accolade gives me a real sense of achievement and pride in working on this large residential site which is due to be completed at the beginning of next year.”

Nic, from Basingstoke, Hampshire who has been in the building industry for 28 years won the regional award in the multi-storey category, which looks for a site manager working on multi-occupancy homes of four or more storey's.

Around 18,000 site managers across the UK entered the awards with each site manger being assessed over 12 months to gauge an accurate view of how they manage their site and the overall quality and finish of the new homes.

Helen Boniface, Sales & Marketing Manager for Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd at AQ comments: “We are delighted that Nic has received an award for his exceptional level of commitment and hard work at AQ in one of the most prestigious house building competitions. Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd is proud to have worked so seamlessly with Nic and the Ardmore team, delivering a high quality of new homes which is testament to achievements at AQ and the positive impact the scheme is having on the area, marking a seal of approval for new home buyers.”

Now in its 28th year, the NHBC's Pride in the Job Awards are only presented to site managers who have demonstrated outstanding levels of skill across 38 areas of site management, including technical expertise, quality control and health and safety.

SECOND HOME BUYERS DEFY GLOOM

07 October 2008

Despite market conditions and summer drawing to a close, second home buyers are still looking for an affordable property in a waterside location. According to Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd, Admiralty Quarter in Portsmouth Harbour has been a popular choice for those looking for an easily accessible second home, opting for this rather than traditional locations further afield.

Retired couple Terry and Trisha Woodward recently bought a one bedroom apartment at the development after looking for a year. They had initially looked in Dorset from their West Molesey home in Surrey, but found that high premiums on seaside property put them out of reach. Eventually they decided that their second home also needed to be more accessible to enable them to visit more frequently, so when they saw Admiralty Quarter, they decided it was exactly what they were looking for.

Terry said: “A major factor is easy access to our second home because we want to be able to visit for a few days at a time. We can drive to Admiralty Quarter at very short notice, when the roads are quiet, and there's always a magical sense of excitement, as if it's the beginning of a holiday. We wouldn't be able to do that if we were faced with a long journey.

“There is plenty to see in the city, with the bustling harbour on the doorstep and a constantly changing panorama, it suits us very well. Admiralty Quarter is right at the heart of this stunning location with Gunwharf Quay within walking distance.

Helen Boniface, Sales and Marketing Manager at Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd said: “Admiralty Quarter's prime location is proving a real draw for second home owners who are shunning the more traditional second home hotspots such as Cornwall, Devon and Dorset and are instead, opting for an easily accessible weekend bolt hole.
“Situated right at the heart of such a vibrant area with fantastic views over the harbour, second home buyers remain interested in what we have to offer here - stylish city living at a very affordable price in an easily accessible waterside location.”
Adjacent to the thriving Gunwharf Quay with its selection of designer shops, bars, restaurants and cinemas, the development boasts spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour and is just a short walk into the city centre.
Well connected, train services out of Portsmouth Harbour station are just a few minutes walk away and provide high-speed links into London Waterloo in an hour and a half, with mainland Europe just a ferry-ride away.
The development consists of 17 individual apartment blocks ranging from four to eight storeys. At its heart is a private courtyard garden of nearly an acre which conceals underground parking for residents. The 22 storey Admiralty Tower provides stunning views of the harbour and gives Portsmouth a spectacular new landmark.
Prices at Admiralty Quarter start at £150,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £210,000 for a two bedroom apartment with studios and penthouses to follow in the near future.
More information contact the Crest Nicholson Admiralty Quarter Marketing Team on 0870 759 0325 or email admiraltyquarter@crestnicholson.com or visit www.admiralty-quarter.co.uk
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GOOD NEWS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS LOOKING TO STAMP OUT COSTS

10 September 2008

It is good news for first time buyers following the Government's recent announcement to suspend stamp duty on all residential properties under £175,000. With this in mind, many first time buyers might now find it easier to purchase their first home in the current climate and make that all important move onto the property ladder.

Admiralty Quarter, Crest Nicholson's Regeneration scheme in Portsmouth Harbour is an ideal option for first time buyers looking to make the most of the Governments' new buying incentive. With a stunning collection of studio and one bedroom apartments for sale under the £175,000 stamp duty threshold, first time buyers will be able to make the most of the government's scheme.

Helen Boniface, Sales and Marketing Manager at Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd comments: “We welcome any positive moves from the Government that will help kick start the housing market. Raising the stamp duty threshold will provide much needed relief for first time buyers who are currently feeling the effects of tightened lending criteria. The properties at Admiralty Quarter are an ideal option for first time buyers to get on the property ladder and will allow them to make the most of these government schemes.”
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Adjacent to the thriving Gunwharf Quay with its selection of designer shops, bars, restaurants and cinemas, the development boasts spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour and is just a short walk into the city centre.

Well connected, train services out of Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth and Southsea stations are just a few minutes walk away and provide high-speed links into London Waterloo in an hour and a half, with mainland Europe just a ferry-ride away.

Prices at Admiralty Quarter start at £115,000 for a studio apartment with one bedroom apartments from £150,000.

More information contact the Crest Nicholson Admiralty Quarter Marketing Team on 0870 759 0325 or email admiraltyquarter@crestnicholson.com or visit www.admiralty-quarter.co.uk

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First rung of the housing ladder still within reach

28 August 2008

According to recent research* over a third of people in the UK believe they will never be homeowners, due to the spiralling costs of living and scarcity of affordable mortgages. The First Time Buyer Initiative (FTBI) being offered by Crest Nicholson is giving first time buyers the opportunity to overcome this challenge.

One purchaser, Caroline Brown had put herself into this category and didn't think it would be possible to buy in the current market. However, the FTBI gave her the opportunity she needed and was able to buy at Crest Nicholson development, Admiralty Quarter in Portsmouth.

The FTBI enables first time buyers to secure a home for just 50% of the asking price, provided it's located on one of the Government's FTBI approved developments like Admiralty Quarter.

Having previously been renting in the city, Caroline bought a stunning apartment at the development.

Caroline, aged 26, said: “I was keen to buy my first property as I was fed up of throwing away money on renting, but I didn't think buying would be something I'd be able to do on my own.

“The FTBI initially attracted me to the development, and once I had seen the development itself I immediately decided to purchase.

“The location is perfect for me – I'm a city girl at heart and I can easily get to the centre from here and enjoy all the amenities right on my doorstep. The best thing is the independence it gives me at a price I can afford.”

Helen Boniface, Sales and Marketing Manager for Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd said: “There is no doubt that it is a challenge for first time buyers in the current climate. As well as the initial purchase of their home, many first time buyers also face going through a period of re-adjustment with their finances.

“The FTBI is incredibly useful in making this transition as easy as possible using the stair casing option – a key part of the initiative, allowing homeowners to increase the percentage they own when they can afford to.

“It is essential that first time buyers do not give up hope of getting onto the ladder and we are pleased to be able to offer incentives and help those that qualify for the scheme.”

Well connected, train services out of Portsmouth Harbour station are just a few minutes walk away and provide high-speed links into London Waterloo in an hour and a half, with mainland Europe just a ferry-ride away.

The development consists of 17 individual apartment blocks ranging from four to eight storeys. At its heart is a private courtyard garden of nearly an acre which conceals underground parking for residents. The 22 storey Admiralty Tower provides stunning views of the harbour and gives Portsmouth a spectacular new landmark.

Prices at Admiralty Quarter start at £115,000 for a studio apartment with one bedroom apartments from £150,000, two bedroom apartments from £210,000 with penthouses to follow in the near future.

For further enquiries contact the sales team on telephone 0870 759 0325 or visit the website www.admiralty-quarter.co.uk.

Location the key for Ken at Admiralty Quarter, Portsmouth

20 August 2008

A recent report by accountancy group UHY Hacker Young says Portsmouth is the 10th fastest growing large city in the country. The report recognises the vitality brought to the heart of the city by regeneration projects such as Crest Nicholson's Admiralty Quarter.

One purchaser Ken Hawthorne, aged 65, recognised early on that Admiralty Quarter was a going to be great place to live. Relocating from Surrey to be closer to his two sons and five grandchildren, Ken made the move to Portsmouth and was the first to buy at Admiralty Quarter, purchasing a stylish two bedroom apartment.

Ken comments on his purchase: “Portsmouth is such a vibrant city with so much going on and I knew as soon as I saw Admiralty Quarter that it was the ideal place to live. The development is right in the heart of the city which is very convenient for me. I can easily get to the shops and enjoy everything that the city centre has to offer right on my doorstep.

As location was the most important factor for Ken he was prepared to rent in nearby Port Solent until his dream home was ready to move into.

Ken continues: “The apartment was definitely worth waiting for. The location was just so perfect and I am very fortunate to have the coastal views. Being able to look from my balcony across the harbourside is very special. Recently I've seen naval ships arrive into the port which I doubt many people can say!”

Enjoying everything that Portsmouth has to offer, Ken also makes the most of the local transport links to the city. He comments: “The bus stop and train station are within walking distance from my apartment which is fantastic. I like going to London regularly and so it's great to be close to the station.”

Helen Boniface, Sales and Marketing Manager at Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd commented, said: “Portsmouth is a city which is growing rapidly, and people are queuing up to live in its thriving centre. The location of Admiralty Quarter is one reason why the development is so popular with buyers. Being at the heart of such a vibrant area means that Admiralty Quarter is a fantastic location for a wide range of purchasers, whether they be first time buyers or people further along the property ladder.”

Adjacent to the thriving Gunwharf Quay with its selection of designer shops, bars, restaurants and cinemas, the development boasts spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour and is just a short walk into the city centre.

Well connected, train services out of Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth and Southsea stations are just a few minutes walk away and provide high-speed links into London Waterloo in an hour and a half, with mainland Europe just a ferry-ride away.

The show apartment suite including four show homes on the 13th floor of Admiralty Tower is open seven days a week, 10am – 5pm. Prices at Admiralty Tower start at £156,500 for a one bedroom apartment.

More information contact the Crest Nicholson Admiralty Quarter Marketing Team on 0870 759 0325 or email admiraltyquarter@crestnicholson.com or visit www.admiralty-quarter.co.uk

PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR PROVES POPULAR CITY LOCATION FOR WEEKEND HOMEOWNERS

15 July 2008

Second homes are becoming increasingly popular in England, with the number rising by 30% in the past decade, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. Mary and Ron Allen are one such couple, and looked for a second home as a break from their hard working daily life.

Mary and Ron, who have been married for 30 years, have ploughed their energies into life as parents, and now grandparents, as well as the environmental and ecological consultancy business they have developed for 22 years. With their children now grown up, they decided to make the most of the increased freedom.

Mary said: “We started looking for a second home because we wanted a break from the business from time to time. We couldn't buy abroad because of work and we wanted the flexibility of being able to visit when we want. We needed somewhere close, and we also wanted it to be reasonably near our son and daughter.”

For many people, the idea of a bolthole is a place tucked away in the country, escaping city life, but for Mary and Ron it is the other way round - their work is largely rural based, so the ideal retreat for them is vibrant city life.

They first looked six years ago, but struggled to find what they were looking for. Then a year ago they bought a one bedroom apartment at Crest Nicholson's Admiralty Quarter development in Portsmouth. They were one of the first to complete at the site, and just 25 minutes from their home in Petersfield, it makes the ideal weekend retreat.

Mary said: “Our apartment is on the sixth floor and has two balconies, so we have good views of the city and sea. Living in the country during the week means that we make the most of city life at the weekend. We can easily get into the city centre, there are great transport links and everything is really convenient.

“We regularly have friends over for meals and even family for Christmas. I also love wandering around the large communal garden.

“As one of the first purchasers to move into Admiralty Quarter a year ago, we have had the opportunity to watch the development grow, which means that we really feel like part of the community, and that's very important.

Mary and Ron have furnished the main living room with wooden floors and a large mirror, so they can practise ballroom dancing: “We don't have TV or internet access in the apartment and security is good so it's a complete break at the weekend and we don't have to worry about anything. I'm proud of owning a property in the development.”

Many of the apartments, like Mary and Ron's, are designed to maximise space and light and benefit from views over the communal gardens which span nearly an acre.

Mary added: “Throughout the process Crest Nicholson has bent over backwards to help us, if we've asked them about anything, they've sorted it out quite brilliantly. We've been very happy to buy from Crest Nicholson as a company.”

Helen Boniface, Sales and Marketing Manager for Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd said: “The location at Admiralty Quarter is unique, offering the best of city life with beautiful sea views. The apartments serve well for weekend retreats as well as stunning homes, and are even enticing people who live nearby like Mary and Ron, to make a purchase.”

Admiralty Quarter is adjacent to the thriving Gunwharf Quay with its selection of designer shops, bars, restaurants and cinemas. It is just a short walk into the city centre and the A3 is minutes away by car.

Train services out of Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth and Southsea stations provide high-speed links into London Waterloo, with mainland Europe just a ferry-ride away.

Prices at Admiralty Quarter start at £99,000 for a studio apartment with one bedroom apartments from £141,000, two bedroom apartments from £199,000 and three bedroom duplexes from around £400,000. For further enquiries contact the sales team on telephone 0870 759 0325 or visit the website www.admiralty-quarter.co.uk.

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FIRST TIME BUYER INITIATIVE RELIEVES FINANCIAL BURDEN:

30 June 2008

Three young professionals from the same Portsmouth based space systems giant have all taken advantage of an innovative new scheme to help them buy their first home at Crest Nicholson's prestigious Admiralty Quarter.

Lauren Dunn, 29, Luke Dunwoody, 26, and Tim Ayles, 25, who all work at Astrium, have each bought an apartment at Admiralty Quarter through the First Time Buyer's Initiative (FTBI).

The FTBI enables first time buyers to secure a home for just 50% of the asking price*, provided it's located on one of the Government's FTBI approved developments like Admiralty Quarter.

Lauren, a purchasing buyer was the first of the colleagues to buy a one-bedroom second floor apartment.

“I've got a view over the shared green space on one side and a large patio on the other. The standard of finish is exceptional and I know from looking long and hard that I would never have been able to afford a home like this without the FTBI scheme,” said Lauren.

Luke Dunwoody, a mechanical engineer had been looking at terraced houses a few miles outside the centre when he heard about the FTBI and snapped up a two-bedroom fourth floor apartment.

“I was getting pretty despondent and had resigned myself to endless weekends of DIY before I heard about the FTBI. I got a fantastic deal and have a really nice place just a short walk from Gunwharf Quays. This is the first time I've been able to afford to live on my own. I don't think I realised how much that meant to me until I moved in.”

Tim Ayles, a component engineer bought a two-bedroom second floor apartment in with a large balcony overlooking the historic naval dockyard.

“I heard about the FTBI scheme from colleagues at work. It was all very straightforward and the whole purchasing process was handled very professionally and without the usual delays you hear about elsewhere.

“I've been able to make a sound financial investment and get to live in an apartment that seemed way out of my budget.

Helen Boniface, Sales and Marketing Manager for Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd said: “The FTBI gives people like Lauren, Luke and Tim and opportunity to get on the first rung of the housing ladder and provides a crucial stepping stone for buyers who may not have been able to afford to buy otherwise. It also allows buyers to live in quality homes like those on offer at Admiralty Quarter, when previously they may have found it more difficult.”

Prices at Admiralty Quarter start at £99,000 for a studio apartment with one bedroom apartments from £141,000, two bedroom apartments from £199,000 with penthouses to follow in the near future.

For further enquiries contact the sales team on telephone 0870 759 0325 or visit the website www.admiralty-quarter.co.uk.

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FIRST TIME BUYER INITIATIVE SEES TENANT COUPLE BECOME HOMEOWNERS AT ADMIRALTY QUARTER

29 April 2008

Buying their own new home at Admiralty Quarter, Portsmouth, seemed an impossible dream to Billy Newing and Natasha Glover, until they discovered the First Time Buyer Initiative. (FTBI)

The couple, aged 24 and 23, were renting a one-bedroom apartment at the Crest Nicholson development neighbouring the Historic Dockyard and had become accustomed to its high quality finish and enviable location.

“We needed to buy to get on the property ladder, but it was depressing looking around at the type of property in our price range. Everything we saw was pretty grotty, but we'd got used to living in a lovely apartment with nice appliances and decor, close to where it's all happening,” said Billy, a greenhouse designer.

On the verge of giving up, they came across a leaflet explaining the FTBI, which enables first time buyers to contribute as little as 50 per cent of the cost of the home, provided it's located on an FTBI approved development like Admiralty Quarter.

“We couldn't believe our luck. It meant we could stay within Admiralty Quarter and buy an even bigger apartment than the one we were renting, but we only needed to raise half the mortgage. There is no way that we'd have been able to buy it without the FTBI,” said Natasha, a laboratory technician.

“It's a relief to finally get on the property ladder and it just feels great to be in our own home,” she added.

The First Time Buyers Initiative - run by national regeneration agency English Partnerships - enables eligible first-time buyers, who cannot otherwise afford to buy a new home, to contribute a minimum of 50 per cent towards the full purchase price using an affordable mortgage. The remaining funding is provided by English Partnerships but buyers must repay the assistance when they sell.

Prices for FTBI eligible homes at Admiralty Quarter start at £141,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, with two bedroom apartments from £199,000 and the forthcoming three bedroom penthouses from around £400,000.

Billy and Natasha's fourth floor apartment has views over the shared courtyard gardens, stretching over almost an acre and they've discovered a real sense of community has emerged among their fellow residents.

“We have excellent privacy here, particularly as a result of the high quality insulation between the apartments, but when we choose to be sociable with our neighbours, we've found everyone to be really friendly and helpful,” said Billy, who like Natasha, originally comes from Kent, but attended Portsmouth University.

“Crest Nicholson's sales team has helped bring about a friendly atmosphere. They organised a mulled wine evening in the gardens over Christmas, which gave everyone a chance to meet each other if they wanted to. It was a nice touch and I think it shows they're building homes for people here, rather than just bricks and mortar,” he added.

“We do feel proud to live here and it's nice to be able to have friends over to stay now we've got the extra bedroom. We're only in our early twenties and we feel very lucky to have been able to buy into such a great lifestyle.”