ACCORD ACQUIRES  FIRST 41 APARTMENTS IN  NORTON & PROFFITT’S  WALSALL ST MATTHEW’S QUARTER  SCHEME

Forty-one apartments under construction in the £50 million first phase of  the St Matthew’s Quarter scheme, a key part of Walsall’s town centre regeneration,   have been sold to Accord Housing Association  for  £3.5 million by Norton & Proffitt Developments Ltd, a joint venture between St Modwen Properties PLC and Goold Estates Ltd

This phase of residential development which will comprise single- and two-bedroomed apartments for sale,  market rent and shared ownership,  is already roofed and will be ready for occupation next June. Accord, based in West Bromwich,  is one of the largest housing associations working in the West Midlands, managing more than 6,000 homes and supporting a further 10,000.

The  apartments, named Shannon’s View,  are an integral part  of the initial  mixed-use phase which also comprises a 118,000  sq ft  Asda store, a range of shops and a 1,000-space  multi-storey car park on the former Sainsbury store site. This phase is scheduled for completion next May.

Alan Yates, director of Regeneration at Accord, said: “The type of affordable accommodation we are offering will provide opportunities for key workers to access the property market for the first time, through shared ownership. It will also enable them to rent high quality apartments from a reputable landlord like Accord.”

Dominic Goold of Goold Estates, said: “We are delighted to have concluded the exchange with Accord as the Shannon’s View apartments will greatly assist people to live and work in Walsall and help to bring new life and activity into the town centre.”

A planning application has recently been submitted  for the next phase, the re- development of the Grade II listed Shannons Mill, which will provide a further 50 apartments  at the front and 45,000 sq ft of offices at the rear.

Derek West, development director of St Modwen, said:  “The St Matthew’s Quarter scheme will transform this part of Walsall. Construction of the new Asda store is well underway. The apartments, shops and parking making up the rest of the phase one will bring George Street to life.

“With the second phase now going through planning we are working up  the final phase which will comprise a major retail-led regeneration of the town, probably involving Old Square and its owners Threadneedle.

Coun. Adrian Andrew, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic example of how regeneration in Walsall can be an advantage to people of all backgrounds.  It will have a positive effect on all communities.”

Accord will shortly be opening a sales office for Shannon’s View in the Shannon’s Mill building opposite the new development.

For further information contact Derek West of St Modwen (0121 222 9400) or Dominic Goold of Goold Estates (01922 613131). Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121 236 7771).