Tenants move in to landmark Ecclesall Road development

31st October 2016

The first tenants have moved into one of the biggest residential developments of its kind for years in the Ecclesall Road area of Sheffield.

Professionals are alongside students, including post-graduates, in the 105 one-bed apartments and studios forming the three blocks of the £6 million Porterbrook Apartments, just off Ecclesall Road by the River Porter. Quality, affordability and an enviable location, along with flexibility is the key to the success of Porterbrook Apartments appealing to a broad sector of those looking for a high standard rented accommodation. Porterbrook Apartments Ltd, is part of City Estates, which also developed the flagship city centre development West.ONE, as well as Huttons Buildings, West Street and the award-winning Sellers Wheel. Andrea Marsden, marketing and residential manager at City Estates, said: -We have got a great mix of tenants living at Porterbrook Apartments. -New or converted developments are usually aimed at a certain market, either high end residential, or specifically just the student market, we wanted to design and provide practical but luxurious accommodation that was appealing to a wider variety of residents to give the development diversity and character. Previously occupied by the Government's Department of Work and Pensions, the three identical four-storey office blocks at the corner of Pear Street and Pomona Street have been thoughtfully converted into Porterbrook North, South and Central providing luxurious residential rented accommodation with spacious landscaped grounds and private, secure parking. Lettings of the South and Central blocks are being made through West One Accommodation, which has a local office just around the corner on Ecclesall Road, and the North block through Sheffield-based Cactus Property Management, whilst West One retains overall control and management. Cactus director Howard Wade said: -Cactus have had a long relationship with City Estates. As owner/landlord they manage their properties excellently and have very happy tenants. -The Porterbrook development is an exciting addition to their portfolio as not only does it follow City Estates' excellent attention to detail in the finish of the apartments, but also residents are in the heart of the Ecclesall Road area while only a few minutes' walk from town. And secure parking is a rarity for the area. The common control and mix of tenants - makes the development different to many others in Sheffield, which can involve multiple ownerships within blocks. -It's the first launch of a medium-sized block of flats of this type in Sheffield for about ten years, certainly in the west of Sheffield where there is a shortage of residential apartments, said City Estates managing director Dale Fixter. -One of the key attractions is the location, at the city centre end of Ecclesall Road, but there is also the very high specification, the value for money and the car parking in a gated secure area, with designated parking space. Some parking spaces are being made available for hire to local businesses in an area where parking can be a problem. Andrea Marsden of City Estates said feedback on Porterbrook was -superb. She said: -People appreciate the quality and design of the accommodation and the sense of space. We are raising bar with the standard of the accommodation, which is higher than in typical rented properties. All the deluxe studios and apartments, which will easily accommodate couples, have top quality kitchens with granite worktops, integrated fridge/freezer with built in full size oven and halogen hob, a dishwasher and island style unit with breakfast bar. The space saving storage design houses a washer/dryer and hot water system whilst giving a contemporary sleek finish to the interior. Separate bedroom areas have double beds, dressing tables, fitted double wardrobes with mirrored doors & luxurious fully tiled shower rooms, with oversized shower cubicles. One bedroom apartments also have the added benefit of an entrance hall. The standard studios have 4ft beds & whilst do not have a dishwasher are fitted out to the same exacting standards and offer greater affordability to singles. Rents are between £525 and £645 a month, including broadband and Wi-Fi, but excluding other bills. There is a nominal charge for parking.