Listed
building redevelopment
Bank of Scotland Corporate - Historic hall transformed into vision of the future
Funding from Bank of Scotland Corporate has helped to reclaim
the architectural impressiveness of a grade II listed building,
developing the once derelict Oddfellows Hall in Ashton to 16
beautifully designed town-centre apartments and an 80 square
metre retail space. The £2.5million redevelopment project, of
which £1.75million was provided by Bank of Scotland Corporate,
was also supported by English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery
Fund, together with a grant from Tameside Metropolitan Borough
Council.
Niall Malone of Rock Park acquired the deteriorating 1855 hall
three years ago and has overseen the transformation of the
building into sought-after luxury apartments. Once a prominent
landmark of the town centre, the building suffered a partial
collapse in 1998 forcing its former grandeur to decline to an
empty structure, in urgent need of restoration funding.
Experienced property developer Niall Malone saw the commercial
potential and redevelopment opportunity within Oddfellows Hall
and as an existing Bank of Scotland Corporate customer,
entrusted the bank to provide funding for the restoration
project to begin. Rock Park has carefully restored the internal
structure of the building to develop a contemporary living space
but also ensure that the hall’s original appearance would be
respected and maintained, marking the redevelopment as a
significant regeneration milestone for Ashton-under-Lyne.
Niall utilised the project funding to rebuild and restore the
outer structure of the building, and to create the 16
individually designed apartments, which include nine one-bedroom
and seven two-bedroom units, of which three are roof-top
penthouses. As well as providing an ideal commercial space on
the ground level of the building, the luxury apartments will be
available for letting from April when the official redesign of
the hall is unveiled in the building’s re-launch.
Niall Malone compliments the flexibility of the bank’s funding
in realising the potential of the hall and feels its supportive
attitude to Rock Park’s property development aspirations have
forged a strong working relationship. Niall comments: “The
response I receive from Bank of Scotland Corporate is always
extremely positive as they see the potential of property
projects and can clearly see my vision for their redevelopment.
By supporting the Oddfellows Hall redevelopment, they have
sustained the complete restoration of the hall to create
commercial space and modern residential units, as well as
transforming a former local eyesore into something Ashton can be
proud of for years to come.
David Booth from Bank of Scotland Corporate in Manchester adds:
“Bank of Scotland Corporate recognised Rock Park’s ambitious
redevelopment plans to completely revolutionalise a landmark
which had lost its former glory, and value Niall’s
entrepreneurial vision in the property sector. The funding from
the bank has managed to provide a substantial commercial and
residential investment for Rock Park, as well as significantly
contributing to the regeneration of the Tameside Borough.
Funding has rejuvenated the existing Oddfellows Hall,
dramatically expanding its lifespan and creating a niche
property offering.”
Email:
Kymberley.Hill@bisslancaster.com