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Vita Group completes First Street deal with Ask Real Estate

Urban regeneration specialist, Vita Group has completed a deal with Manchester-based developer, Ask Real Estate, to acquire plot 10 at their First Street Estate.

It follows Vita Group’s recently successful planning application to develop its first House of Social residence at the site. House of Social is the student house re-imagined. Designed for second- and third-year students who have established friendship groups, each ‘House’ is centred around a beautiful open plan kitchen and lounge space, designed to bring housemates together with large ensuite bedrooms on either side.

Each room has been carefully designed to create the ultimate student room, including both casual relaxation space and a more formal study space with plenty of storage and its own en-suite bathroom.  In total, the First Street residence will have 100 cluster apartments with 576 student bedrooms split across a mixture of five and six bedroom ‘houses’. Residents will also benefit from a plethora of amenities including a state-of-the-art gym and co-working space.

On the ground floor, the building will be brought to life with a vibrant food hall which will be open to residents and the general public. Featuring a central bar which will provide a focal point, the food hall will create approximately 400 covers, with five independent kitchens bringing forward some of the city’s most exciting new food concepts.

Longstanding advisors to Vita Group, Shoosmiths was the law firm which advised on the deal.

Mark Oakes, Vita Group Chief Commercial Officer said:
“We are delighted to complete the deal with Ask Real Estate. First Street is one of the city’s most exciting destinations with huge investment going into the redevelopment of the area. House of Social will complement this vibrant neighbourhood, adding to the great offering which already exists.”

John Hughes, Managing Director of Ask Real Estate said: “Plot 10 and Vita Group’s House of Social concept will play a pivotal role in accelerating the completion of the First Street masterplan – adding to the neighbourhood, creating a vibrant place for people to visit and stay. It’s great to finalise this deal and further build upon our relationship with Vita Group.”

Vanessa Rickard, Legal Director at Shoosmiths, said:

“The Shoosmiths real estate team has supported Vita Group over many years and we are proud to have advised on this latest land deal, with the transaction not only kickstarting development, but also signifying the start of the legacy House of Social will leave in Manchester.”

Place & Community

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Place & Community

Create thriving communities, a principle which has been with us from the very start, it’s simply not good enough to create a building without thinking carefully about its context and the wider impact it has on its surrounding neighbourhood. We’re driven to create communities within communities as well as respond to and complement the neighbourhood and its eco-system. Creating tomorrow’s city living means we must be part of the DNA of that city and partnering with local authorities. This includes connecting with local suppliers, talent, charities, and businesses, collaborating on important community initiatives and helping to develop surrounding spaces. It’s not just about helping to regenerate cities; it’s helping them to function effectively.

Society

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Society

We know that in helping to create tomorrow’s cities, we have a responsibility to have the best possible impact on society as a whole. As such, we won’t be afraid to challenge those things which just don’t sit right. So don’t be surprised to see us take a knee at the start of a sporting event, celebrate key religious holidays, and fly the rainbow flag for pride. To create a better tomorrow, we must stand together today.

Environment

03

Environment

To really effect change and create a platform in which cities thrive, we know we need to look beyond building design, carbon creation and energy usage. We must tackle bigger issues and help change behaviours, as such we’re creating initiatives which help users across the platform understand the role they can play in reducing our impact on the world.

Sustainable Operations

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Sustainable Operations

Continually reduce our use of the planet’s valuable resources, working towards net-zero carbon, sourcing green energies and reducing non-recyclable waste.

Building Design

05

Building Design

Building design – create a harmonic balance between buildings, the environment and their users. Constantly looking at ways we can improve efficiency (reducing U and Y values), reduce embodied carbon through production whilst ensuring wellbeing through design and innovation to create high performing buildings which enable their occupants to live more healthily and productively. It includes elements such as air quality, sustainable construction and amenities.

Governance

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Governance

Applying best practice and the highest standards and ethics to everything we do. From how we manage personal data to how we conduct our business in every aspect of the corporate and consumer realm. Our policies and practices ensure we’re constantly reviewing, auditing and ensuring statutory compliance and principled integrity. We are guided by best-in-class professional advisory firms in developing and reviewing our corporate policies, as well as following national guidance on health and safety and sector-specific codes of practice to ensure we maintain the state of the art.

Welfare & Wellbeing

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Welfare & Wellbeing

Provide a welfare and wellbeing care package for all our people to access. Ensure every resident feels welcome, is part of the community and has the best possible opportunity to thrive incorporating physical and mental wellbeing. This includes constantly evolving our services such as the duty of care charter, onboarding events, our state-of-the-art gyms and free to use bikes.

Talent

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Talent

Create a culture and environment which allows our colleagues to thrive. We recruit the very best people and give them the opportunity to be better. From our fair pay policies and flexible working, to personal development programmes, life shaping experiences, and inclusive recruitment, everyone has the best opportunity to thrive.