Home buyers head to Hemisphere

Fri, Jun 16th 2006, 11:00

The Hemisphere apartments opposite the legendary Warwickshire County Cricket Club in Edgbaston, Birmingham, have already hit home buyers for six – attracting more than a half-century of sales in one day.

Among those lucky enough to be in the first innings for Redrow’s sought-after new scheme were three cricket fans who grew up in the area.

The chance to live so close to one of cricket’s most famous sporting venues was too great for the friends to miss.

Mohammed Iqbal, one of the three, spoke of his eagerly anticipated homecoming. He said: “We spent a lot of time in Edgbaston when we were younger. We grew up in the area and there used to be tennis courts nearby where we would play. We saw it and knew straight away we had to live at Hemisphere.”

Although they played tennis, their true sport was cricket. Mohammed continued: “We loved cricket more. We’d play every chance we got and it’s just amazing to be back.”

His two friends, Mohammed Sharif and Mohammed Tariq and a third, Parvez Hussain, who joined the group when they grew older, have been won over by the nostalgia of moving back to where they once lived.

Edgbaston based architect Hala Lloyd was drawn to Hemisphere by the quality of the design, both inside and out. She said: “It really was an opportunity not to be missed. It is in a unique location and the setting and the design quality is of a very high standard.

“Both the design and the interiors sold it for me and with the views and access to the city, you’re getting more for your money.”

One of the biggest ‘test scores of the series’ came when 12 plots were sold to Sangeeta Nazran and her husband Tav Singh as an investment for themselves and their friends. Sangeeta said: “It was the location that sold Hemisphere for me. I also liked the commercial aspect with the links to bars and restaurants nearby. We also love the courtyard layout and the larger square footage of the apartments.”

Sangeeta hopes that the properties will increase in value over time. She continues: “We own other properties, but depending on the situation at the time of completion we might move in ourselves.”

The first phase has achieved prices from £158,950 to £241,950, with a mix of owner-occupiers and investors so far staking their claim.

Linda Androlia, sales director for Redrow Homes (West Midlands), said: “Hemisphere really is all things to all people. It’s great for young professionals who want to be close to the city but have a little bit of breathing space. It’s perfect for downsizers who want something secure, modern and more manageable close to local amenities. It has investment potential for those seeking apartments that will be attractive to tenants and, of course, it’s the dream location for anyone with an interest in cricket! Our purchasers in the first phase have been drawn from all these groups.”

Hemisphere is part of the larger mixed-use venture, Edgbaston Mill, which is led by Calthorpe Estates and Cordwell Leisure. The overall development will include restaurants, retail, hotel, leisure and office space, as well as Redrow’s apartments, and is set to become a prestigious place to live, work and relax .

As well as the outstanding cricket ground on the development’s doorstep, the area has much more to offer. Cannon Hill Park, with its wildflower meadow, lakes and woodlands, provides scenic walks alongside the River Rea for those wanting to escape the busy city life.

The park also provides tennis courts, bowling and putting greens and cycle routes for the more active Hemisphere residents.

The ground works and construction of the apartments will start in July and the first occupations are expected in autumn 2007.

For details of the remaining properties in phase one or to secure your place at the crease for the launch of the second phase, call the sales hotline on 0845 676 0515 or e-mail westmidlands.sales@redrow.co.uk.