COMMUNITY CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF FACILITIES THAT WILL BRING NEIGHBOURS TOGETHER
A new Southampton development celebrated the official opening of its community facilities and garden.
Bow Square is a new development of apartments built exclusively for renters on the site of the old Fruit and Vegetable Market on the corner of Bernard Street and Queensway in Southampton City Centre.
It’s the city’s first ever Build to Rent community and among the benefits are the many communal facilities available to residents, which had their grand opening this week.
As well as their apartments, residents at Bow Square have access to a 24-hour gym kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment and a large residents’ lounge complete with comfy sofas, a big screen screen TV and its own kitchen. There is also a meeting room, which residents can hire for business meetings if they work from home, and a communal garden complete with BBQs and a firepit.
Stephanie Smith from Atlas Residential, which operates Bow Square on behalf of owner Patrizia, said: “It’s the added extras like this, and the sense of community we’ve built, that have made Bow Square so popular. Renters are looking for much more than a roof over their heads these days and the extras we offer make a real difference.”
Eric Linden, Director at Patrizia, added: “The community facilities have been proving really popular with residents and we’re thrilled to celebrate their official opening today. In too many cities across the UK people don’t get to know their neighbours but we’re really turning that on its head here at Bow Square. Facilities like the gym and communal lounge are bringing residents together and helping them make new friends.”
Resident Stephanie Bermudez said: “What really drew us to Bow Square, on top of the location, was all the added extras you get compared to renting a normal apartment. There’s a gym, social groups for residents, a communal living and kitchen area and even BBQs you can use in the garden. You just don’t get that anywhere else.”
Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Christopher Hammond said: “Bow Square is the first build to rent development in Southampton. The occupancy rate for these new properties is testimony to the need that there is for this type of offer in the residential sector.
“Residents don’t just get a home, they immediately become part of a community. Atlas provide a top end rental experience in a venue that offers premium lifestyle amenities, along with bespoke outdoor spaces, in a city centre location.”
The grand opening of the new facilities was celebrated with a party for residents, as well as a special event that gave local businesses and council representatives the chance to see behind the scenes. The event also raised money for the Children's Neurological Unit at Southampton General Hospital, a cause close to Bow Square’s heart.
Bow Square is one of Southampton City Council’s VIP projects. The £60m project is being led by developer National Regional Property Group, with construction by PMC Construction. Already two phases of the development are complete, with hundreds of residents settled into their new homes. The third and final phase of the project is due to be handed over in October, unlocking the last 68 of the total 279 apartments.
Bow Square is a completely pet friendly development, meaning residents are free to move in with their cats or dogs. There’s even a dog walking group so neighbours with four legged friends can socialise.
To find out more about Bow Square visit www.bowsquare.co.uk.
Source: http://www.investinsouthampton.co.uk/news/story.aspx?id=tcm:64-403097