Winning partnership for island makeover

Fri, Oct 6th 2006, 11:00

A dynamic partnership between an award winning home builder and leading construction company is set to fulfil the regeneration of Knightstone Island in Weston-super- Mare.

Redrow Homes has teamed up with Ardmore Construction for this flagship scheme of 87 apartments, including the aspirational refurbishment of the island’s three Grade II listed buildings.

Peter Wright, project manager for Redrow Homes (South West) says: "This is Redrow’s third project with Ardmore as main contractor and we are pleased to have them on board for the regeneration of Knightstone Island. We are right on course to have the project completed during summer 2007, as planned.

"We’re well aware of how important Knightstone Island is to the Weston community and we’ve worked hard with the local authority and other bodies to come up with an apartment scheme that, while being commercially viable, is sympathetic to the island’s history and allows the community and tourists to continue to enjoy the island."

The project will see the restoration and conversion of three Grade II listed buildings – the Pavilion Theatre, Dr Fox’s Bath House and the Edwardian Swimming Baths – into apartments, duplexes and penthouses and the creation of two stunning new contemporary apartment buildings. 

The circa £14 million design and build contract for Knightstone Island has been awarded to Ardmore Construction, who are also working with Redrow to create 180 apartments at The Boardwalk in Eastbourne and 246 apartments and a new library and Lifelong Learning Centre in Barking.

The Ardmore Group, which includes Ardmore Construction, Paddington Construction, BCL Rail Services and BCL Plant has been developed over the last 30 years and operates throughout the UK and Ireland with its head office at Enfield in North London. The group undertakes a diverse range of projects, including high rise residential, leisure, hotels, retail, fit out and industrial.

Other projects in the south west of England have included residential apartments for different developers in Plymouth and Portsmouth, the latter incorporating a 22-storey tower.

Keith Allington, director of Ardmore Construction Limited, comments: "We are delighted with this latest opportunity from Redrow to demonstrate our expertise in schemes of this nature. We will be refurbishing the existing listed buildings and converting them into residential and commercial units, as well as constructing two new residential apartment buildings. Work is already underway, with the steel frame for the new buildings being installed."

The contract also incorporates external works to the sea walls and causeway, including special measures to upgrade the sea defences.

 

Once completed Redrow’s exciting new Knightstone Island development will be open to the public for promenade walks with improved landscaping, street furniture, public art, plus cafés and a restaurant are planned.

 The development is already 75% sold off-plan but there are still plenty of apartments to choose from, with prices currently from £150,000 for a one-bedroom refurbished apartment to £400,000 for a three-bedroom new build apartment with sea views and a balcony.

Weston retains much of its seaside charm from its heyday with beautiful limestone houses, parks, piers and sands, plus it isn’t far from the stunning surrounding countryside of North Somerset. Located just 25 miles and about 40-minutes drive from Bristol via the M5, it is also about two hours drive from Birmingham and has always been a popular holiday venue for Midlanders.

For more information on becoming a part of this fabulous island living telephone 01934 417 447, text ‘Knightstone’ to 07766 40 41 42 or log on to www.knightstoneisland.co.uk.

Further information about Ardmore Construction available at: www.ardmoregroup.co.uk