Buying frenzy at Smiths flour mill

Jun 2 2006

By Marsya Lennox, Property Correspondent

Eager buyers made an early start to queue up for a chance to bag new apartments in waterside Walsall. The target properties were the converted and new build apart-ments at Smiths Flour Mill in the regenerating Canal Zone, 122 homes under construction by developers GR8 Space Ltd. The selling agents Connells staged the marketing launch at The Village Hotel in Walsall and opened the doors to a waiting crowd of potential purchasers. "All they had to look at was a 3D model and laminated brochures - and in two hours we had sold 25," reported negotiator, Sharon Williams of Connells. "It has been a phenomenal success and it was a really good day, chaotic but wonderful." Among the first apartments to see was the smallest one bedroom layout, just 396 sq ft, price tag £90,000. Buyers on launch day were a mix of intending owner occupiers and private investors. And within two days of the marketing event, another 30 serious inquiries had been lodged with Connells. Smiths Flour Mill occupies a prominent position at the heart of the regenerating town, its future neighbours to include more upmarket living space by Urban Splash. The canalsides are scheduled for upgrading and landscaping and there is mounting excitement over the improving prospects of the area. "It is going to be fabulous," added Sharon Williams. It is still very much a derelict site but the building is really unique and has a lovely feel to it with its floor to ceiling windows and stunning original features." The striking old warehouse building sits alongside the Birchills flight of locks and dates from 1849. The milling operation continued until 1973 but in recent years the building fell into decline. Though the exterior has held up well, interiors have taken a beating, making the space ideal for transformation. There will be some 45 loft style homes in the converted period building with another 77 new build apartments. GR8 Space have described smiths Flour Mill as a "jewel" of Walsall's history. Chris Liddell, managing director said: "A significant amount of investment has been required to deliver a first class conversion which will re-introduce smiths Flour Mill as one of Walsall's treasured historical landmarks." He added: "Providing 122 apartments, this is by far Walsall's largest waterside scheme and it is set to take the town's apartment living trend to new heights." One striking benefit for residents is the 100 per cent parking provision planned, every apart-ment to come with allocated space, just 10 minutes walk from the town centre. Once completed, the development will rise to a maximum five storeys, making the most of the canal frontage. There are two penthouses on the uppermost level, Plots 36 and 37, each some 1,125 sq ft, priced at £175,000 and commanding the best skyline views over Walsall and the canal. Features at this level include some real "loft" extras such as exposed roof trusses. Interior details are to include kitchens by Paula Rosa, tiling by Porcelanosa and bathroom fittings by the Swiss firm Laufen. Donna smith, new homes partner at Connells said:"Smiths Flour Mill raises the benchmark for breathing new life into Walsall's canalise areas - its charming character combines style and imagination with a uniquely peaceful waterside setting." The first homes will not be ready for occupation until late this year, completion of the build programme likely to be around May 2007. A marketing suite is due to open on site in the next few weeks. Prices currently range up from £109,000. Details from Connells, telephone 01922 721000. * The old flour mill was built in phases, right up until the early part of the 20th century. There is an original plaque commemorating its origins at the centre of the building which fronts Wolverhampton Street. The Mill owner of those times had planned continuing expansion of the operation to allow incorporation of "new" technology in line with mechanical advances.