Friday 9th February 2024

Photo by Daniela Paola Alchapar on Unsplash

Life’s rich tapestry…

Despite weather warnings in the North, Cornwall is surprisingly sunny and warm — not quite t shirt weather, although it feels mostly thawed after the cold that started the year (sunshine bringing a bit of optimism for the year ahead; after all, and despite best efforts, it’s hard to look forward to things when it’s grey and miserable outside!)

I’ve also just returned from a weekend away with my partner, having recently turned 28, and we took the opportunity to visit The Pig in Combe, somewhere I wanted to visit for a while, and definitely somewhere I’d like to return.

A comparatively short week for me in which case, but nevertheless a few things ‘on the bubble’.

Some things to talk about in Nottinghamshire (2 no.), Derbyshire (3 no.), Bradford (1 no.) and Devon (1 no.) — all at various stages, with a few updates.

Nottinghamshire:

1. We’re still under contract to open our first service, although bogged down with legal work.
2. Having attended viewings earlier in the week for another ‘turnkey’ and relatively modern block of 8 apartments, I’m currently working with our partners to facilitate possession. The property is a part conversion/part new build, with 3 good sized ground floor (modern) units that will be wheelchair accessible.

Derbyshire:

1. Our viewing on the small bungalow scheme was a success, and I’m now in the process of working with our partners to create a pathway for the service to open in the next few months. There are tenants ready to move in as soon as it opens.
2. I’ve relayed amended plans to a SA provider for the apartment/HMO scheme currently under contract. The HMO element no longer fits their housing model (it was a reach in the first instance), but the development will still provide a revised layout of 10 no. 1 bedroom apartments plus staff accommodation.
3. A new scheme sent to a partner for a small development of 7 apartments, just outside one of the smaller town centres.

Bradford:

1. I’ve been offered a purpose built block of 8 apartments in Bradford which could provide an ideal reallocation of service…a work in progress.

Devon:

1. Struggling on the funding front for the care home I spoke about last time — it’s a real lump of a thing, and whilst it solves a real problem in the area, I’m not sure how I might make it work.
2. Awaiting HB feedback on a smaller shared scheme in the meantime.

In other news, I’ve received a draft heads of terms for an asset management angle on land in Nottinghamshire — quite a lot of work to do and a significant number of moving parts. All good fun.

Conversations (and progress) about a proposed purpose built scheme in Huddersfield have fallen through.

Looking forward to working on proposed developments in Wiltshire and Cornwall.