by Phil Crowther | Jul 15, 2021 | News
A planning application for a new hotel development in York has been submitted by Helmsley Group.
Located on the currently derelict Mill House car park site, off North Street, the development is believed to be the first hotel to generate net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
This means during construction, the greenest alternatives to traditional construction will be used to achieve a BREEAM Excellent building. The carbon output from construction will be minimised and where it can’t be, will be offset.
It is estimated that the carbon emissions saved following the hotel’s completion will be 1,204 tonnes – the equivalent of the annual emissions of 170 UK households.
Aimed at business and tourism visitors to the city, the hotel will boast 104 rooms and will also kick-start an associated programme of wider public realm upgrades nearby, including public spaces and landscaping.
Max Reeves, development director at York-based Helmsley Group, the commercial property syndication, development finance and property development company, said: “Helmsley Group is excited about the opportunity to enhance an underutilised space and create a building of architectural and environmental high standards that will make a positive contribution to the surrounding area and wider city economy.
“The proposed hotel will have no onsite food or beverage facilities meaning all guests will spend their money at the fantastic variety of hospitality and leisure locations York has to offer, helping to support city centre businesses at a time when they need it most.”
Fiona Lomas, senior consultant, sustainability at planning and development consultancy Turley, which is supporting Helmsley Group with the planning application, said: “The proposed hotel is targeting net zero carbon in accordance with the UK Green Building Council framework, through a ‘fabric-first’ design approach.
“The proposed design also includes sustainable features such as solar PV, air source heat pumps and a biodiverse green wall. The hotel is targeting BREEAM Excellent, meeting Outstanding mandatory requirements for both energy and water sections. No car parking spaces will be provided as part of the development, to reduce carbon emissions and air quality impact associated with private car travel and will reflect York’s aspiration to become the UK’s first car-free city centre.”
Mr Reeves added: “As an organisation we are passionate about doing what we can to help the environment and the positive sustainable impact of this development is of the most upmost importance to us. This scheme has been a long time in the design process, resulting in a building we feel suits its setting while remaining visually unobtrusive on this tucked away piece of derelict land.”
A decision on the planning application is expected to be made by City of York Council later this year.
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About Helmsley Group
Helmsley Group is based at Monk’s Cross, York and has been helping clients to develop their wealth through property for 40 years. The company’s expert team provides clients and investors with a range of property investment opportunities that are always secured against land or property. https://helmsley.co.uk/
by Phil Crowther | Jul 14, 2021 | News
Helmsley Group believes the out of town office market will have an important role to play in the economic recovery as it launches its fully refurbished Arabesque House development to the market.
Arabesque House, located at Monks Cross on the outskirts of York, provides high quality and flexible office space to suit a wide range of occupiers.
Tom Sykes, asset manager at Helmsley, the York-based property investment and development specialists, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer businesses sought after space at Arabesque House.
“Demand for out of town office space is undoubtedly set to increase as businesses adopt new and flexible ways of working in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Additionally, high quality, modern office space with adequate parking provision is scarce, particularly in York which boasts many historic buildings and has seen the majority of available accommodation being turned into much needed housing.
“We have already attracted some fantastic tenants to Arabesque House and look forward to welcoming more over the coming months.”
Existing tenants include the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Drivespeed Group, TCS John Huxley, Eurofins and Anytime Fitness.
Savills and Bowcliffe have been appointed as joint agents to market the remaining space
Paddy Carter, director at Savills, said: “Arabesque House is helping to meet a much-needed requirement for the provision of quality office space in York and the wider region.
“This stunning office space is located on the successful and established Monks Cross Business Park, which is easily accessible from both the York Outer Ring Road (A64) and York city centre.
“The immediate area boasts a wealth of amenities including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Next, Sainsbury’s and Starbucks.”
Bowcliffe’s Matt Tootell added: “Arabesque House suits a range of occupiers, including those from the science and technology sectors, with smaller suites available from 1,770 sq ft up to 11,079 sq ft when combined together.
“Externally, the property benefits from established landscaped areas and ample on-site car parking.”
For further information email pcarter@savills.com or mt@bowcliffellp.com.
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About Helmsley Group
Helmsley Group is based at Monks Cross, York and has been helping clients to develop their wealth through property for 37 years. The company’s expert team provides clients and investors with a range of property investment opportunities that are always secured against land or property. https://helmsley.co.uk/
by Phil Crowther | May 15, 2021 | News
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is to take almost 25,000 sq ft of space at Princess House in Northampton, in one of the town’s biggest office lettings so far this year.
The letting at the Helmsley Group-owned building will see the DWP replace fellow government department HMRC, which is relocating after 10 years of occupancy at the building in Cliftonville, following the expiration of its lease.
Ed Harrowsmith, director at property investment and development specialist Helmsley Group, said: “This is a landmark property transaction given the present market conditions and we are delighted to have secured the DWP as an anchor tenant at Princess House.
“Helmsley boasts a diversified and resilient portfolio of commercial properties in strong town and city locations such as Northampton and this letting is further evidence of this.”
Chris Drummond, director at TDB Real Estate, who secured the letting on behalf of Helmsley Group, added: “This is a blue-chip covenant and a strong indicator of confidence in the Northamptonshire property market.
“Take-up in towns such as Northampton has been limited over the last 12 months given the uncertainty caused by Covid-19 so this is a sizeable letting in what is still a challenging market. Princess House is now fully let, which is excellent news.”
Office space in the neighbouring multi-storey Woodlands House is available for letting. Both buildings are ideally located on the edge of Northampton town centre officering excellent access to the A45 and M1.
For more information on Helmsley Group, please visit: www.helmsley.co.uk
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For more information, please contact Beth Chaplow on beth.chaplow@aberfield.com or call 0113 880 0444.
About Helmsley Group
Helmsley Group is based at Monk’s Cross, York and has been helping clients to develop their wealth through property for 40 years. The company’s expert team provides clients and investors with a range of property investment opportunities that are always secured against land or property. https://helmsley.co.uk/
by Phil Crowther | May 4, 2021 | News
Press release
Tuesday 4th May
Helmsley Group believes the future of the high street is bright after making a key acquisition in the heart of York’s retail area.
The York-based property specialist has purchased numbers three to seven on the city’s historic Coney Street.
The units, whose current occupiers include JD Sports, Lush, Mango, and the vacant unit previously occupied by Joe’s Kitchen, were purchased off market for an undisclosed sum from M&G, the London-based asset management company.
The recent purchase complements a series of deals on Coney Street over the last 12 months and forms part of Helmsley’s ongoing strategy to work positively with its investors and stakeholders to ensure York and the wider region continue to thrive.
Helmsley recently helped to bring the property formerly occupied by Dorothy Perkins and Burton on Coney Street back to life, as well as acquiring the units housing Ernest Jones and the old Poundland store. Helmsley Group has been investing in Coney Street for several years, following the purchase of units 39-43, which are currently let to Boots and W H Smith.
The York-based Group, which offers syndicated property, property finance and development opportunities, believes that how people use city centres will evolve as society opens back up in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ed Harrowsmith, investment director at Helmsley Group, said: “Despite the uncertainty for our high streets caused by Covid-19, the pandemic has in many ways re-emphasised the resilience of our local economies as well as evidencing a real sense of community as people shop and buy local more than ever before.
“We believe that this trend will continue as people increasingly socialise, visit attractions and maximise benefits from urban parks and public spaces.
“Additionally, we are increasingly seeing a move away from commercial property ownership in the hands of remote funds to more established local owners and investors who are committed to helping improve the built environment, communities and economies in which they operate.
“As one of York’s main property companies and one of these local owners and investors, we are passionate about harnessing these trends to help and regenerate our high streets and city centres, allowing us to ‘build back better’.
“This strategic acquisition on one of York’s busiest shopping streets will be crucial allowing us to do this.”
Max Reeves, development director at Helmsley Group, said: “We believe that taking proactive steps now will not only benefit the economy in the short-term, but also cement a positive future for retail alongside creating resilient high streets for the future.
“The purchase of these core city centre properties is a central part of this strategy, given their proximity to other assets which are managed by Helmsley on behalf of our investors, including the buildings occupied by Vodka Revolution and City Screen on the riverfront.”
He added: “The remainder of this year and beyond is set to be an extremely exciting period as we spearhead once-in-a-generation opportunities, particularly in York.
“We look forward to collaborating with our investors, tenants and stakeholders to explore ways to further unlock exciting potential over the coming months.”
James Bradley at Langleys Solicitors provided legal advice and Knight Frank acted on behalf of Helmsley Group.
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For more information please contact Beth Chaplow on beth.chaplow@aberfield.com or call 0113 880 0444.
About Helmsley Group
Helmsley Group is based at Monk’s Cross, York and has been helping clients to develop their wealth through property for 40 years. The company’s expert team provides clients and investors with a range of property investment opportunities that are always secured against land or property.
For more information, visit: https://helmsley.co.uk/.
by Phil Crowther | Jan 14, 2021 | News
Property investment and development specialist The Helmsley Group has appointed an asset manager to its successful team.
George Baines has joined the York-based business following his graduation from the University of Aberdeen with a Masters’ degree in Real Estate and Finance with distinction.
The 24-year-old, who hails from York, will assist on existing asset management requirements as well as supporting on identifying development and value-added opportunities across the Helmsley portfolio. He will also work with the team on deal origination and appraisals.
Ed Harrowsmith, director at Helmsley, said: “As a proud York-based business we are committed to investing in the local economy and its people. George is a first-rate appointment for Helmsley and a valuable addition to the team.
“Although we’re operating in uncertain times, we continue to perform positively thanks to our trusted approach of working collaboratively as a business, liaising with our tenants to support them where we can and working closely with our investors to ensure that we are well positioned for the years to come.”
George added: “Helmsley has an outstanding reputation in the market and I’m excited about developing my skills and contributing to its ongoing success alongside its talented team.
“Being a proud York resident myself, I am looking forward to supporting Helmsley’s positive work in continuing to shape the future of the city and wider region.”
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About Helmsley Group
Helmsley Group is based at Monk’s Cross, York and has been helping clients to develop their wealth through property for 40 years. The company’s expert team provides clients and investors with a range of property investment opportunities that are always secured against land or property. https://helmsley.co.uk/
For more information please contact Beth Chaplow (beth.chaplow@aberfield.com) or Ian Briggs (ian.briggs@aberfield.com), or call 0113 880 0444.
by Phil Crowther | Oct 14, 2020 | News
Property specialist Helmsley Group has revealed that all properties at its Aura housing scheme have been sold in under four months.
Helmsley said that the development, which is made up of 14 one- and two-bed apartments, has proved particularly popular with first time buyers looking to get on the housing ladder.
The sustainably constructed residential scheme is supported by help-to-buy and is located close to York city centre.
Max Reeves, development director at Helmsley Group, said the momentum generated at Aura was especially pleasing given the scheme was launched during lockdown.
He said: “Helmsley is delighted to have been able to achieve such a positive outcome for Aura in a relatively short period of time since launching the scheme to the public in May.
“As a York-based business, we are passionate about doing good for the city and wider region through sustainable development and supporting the local economies in which we operate.
“Clearly, Covid-19 has caused uncertainty and impacted much of society, including the way we live and work. However, the residential property market is seeing positive activity and our strategy of launching Aura during lockdown is testament to this and our confidence in the scheme.
“We are proud to have been able to give first-time buyers an opportunity to purchase affordable high-quality housing close to a major city centre and will be looking to bring similar schemes to market over the coming months.”
The Aura development is located next to a national cycle path, so each apartment developed as part of the scheme has secure under-cover bike storage, as well as parking spaces equipped with EV charging points.
Nathan Richmond, a first-time buyer, recently moved into his new apartment at Aura. He commented: “I’m from York and have always lived on the north side of the city. Before I moved in, I was living with my parents and paying board. I’ve been keeping my eye of the housing ladder for about a year now and when I saw Aura in the local news it immediately took my interest.
“It’s perfectly located within the city centre and I only have a 10 minute walk to work. It’s also really handy for the local amenities. The price of the property was a big attraction as most other two-bed apartments in the city are priced significantly higher and having bought the property by myself, this was quite important.
“There is a nice finish to the interior and the communal areas and I like that it only has 14 apartments because I didn’t want to move into a massive development with hundreds of flats.
“It was never my intention to purchase a property in the pandemic, but when you see something good come onto the market, you’ve got to be ready to make a move. This is now my second week in my new home and I’m looking forward to many more years here.”
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About Helmsley Group
Helmsley Group is based at Monk’s Cross, York and has been helping clients to develop their wealth through property for 40 years. The company’s expert team provides clients and investors with a range of property investment opportunities that are always secured against land or property. https://helmsley.co.uk/
For more information please contact Beth Chaplow (beth.chaplow@aberfield.com) or Katie Wadsworth (katie.wadsworth@aberfield.com), or call 0113 880 0444.
