Parklane Group back UOWN – a disruptive new crowdfunding platform

2017 marks the start of a momentous year for Yorkshire-based UOWN as they start their fledgling journey in the fintech space. They have been enabled by the backing of Parklane to take great strides in an innovative sector of property investment-crowdfunding.

uOwn_LandscapeUOWN is a disruptive new crowd funding platform. It helps everyday people save by investing money together in properties which they own collectively. UOWN tears down barriers to opportunities not usually available to most people. Everyone invested earns a proportionate share of the rent and the capital appreciation, with UOWN being the hub that facilitates the property investment cycle end to end. They are currently expecting to deliver a market leading return of 47% over 5 years.

The founders, Shaan and Haaris Ahmed are the third generation now entering the fold of the family business, both went to prestigious institutions: Haaris to Oxford and Shaan to the London School of Economics. Social responsibility is what fuels their passion to give back to the people that granted those privileges.

 

Shaan says, “We have a problem in society, we no longer own ‘things’ that either hold or increase their value either by appreciating in price or yielding a financial reward. We want to help change that with the UOWN platform.”

Haaris adds, “I think most people are still really frustrated with the way banks behave, so I want to make things work for the 99% again. The web means we can take on big financial institutions; we can democratise things and beat the big players at their own game.” 

 

The Parklane Group Launches Homezzz with Historic Manchester Development

The Parklane Group has unveiled a new addition to its suite of brands, which will set out to transform a historical building in Manchester’s NOMA district as its first development. The Homezzz brand is focussed towards investors, who are looking to realise potential in the UK rental market at gateway city locations in the UK. The first scheme to be revealed will see the former Co-operative print works in Manchester transformed into more than sixty luxurious rental units, helping to reveal the former grandeur of this historic location.

The multi-million pound project, named The Press, which is located on New Mount Street in the NOMA district, will deliver 66 residential units of between one and three beds. It draws heavily on ‘New York Apartment’ stylings, and many of the building’s original features such as exposed brick and ironwork, high ceilings and large windows, will be brought to the fore as part of the redevelopment. The c50,000sq ft site will be delivered as part of a new Joint Venture between Homezzz and Salboy Ltd, with work due to commence on site early in the New Year.

Naveen Ahmed, Director of The Parklane Group, co-owner of the Homezzz brand, said: “Our new Homezzz brand will help address the developing trends in UK housing, and bring a new dynamic to the UK’s gateway cities. Our plans for The Press have demonstrated this ambition and have so far received fantastic feedback. Through our investment, we will create a superb building, which will draw on the heritage of the site as a former print works, whilst creating a modern and vibrant living space, to service this part of the city. Manchester continues to perform exceptionally well, and this building is just a stone’s throw from major transport hubs, internationally renowned employers and vibrant culture.”

 

23 New Mount Street, Manchester. credit: leeboswellphotography.com

 

Javed Saddique Director at Homezzz said: “Our team has developed detailed plans to transform this six-story building into a modern and stylish space, which will help to address the housing needs of a growing and successful city. We’ve worked alongside leading architects to develop what we believe will be a fantastic addition to the Manchester property scene and we look forward to progressing with construction works early in 2019. Units are already generating a lot of interest, and we’re confident this will prove to be a highly desirable location.”

Fred Done, founder of Betfred and co-owner of Salboy Ltd, paid tribute to the Joint Venture: “I am extremely proud to be involved in this fantastic project. Being a local person, nothing pleases me more than seeing our historic buildings come back to life, indeed, it was one of the reasons we wanted to be involved in this development. We’re delighted to be working alongside Homezzz to deliver what I believe will be a truly exceptional scheme.”

Simon Ismail of Salboy Ltd said: “I’m delighted to be working alongside Homezzz to transform this building into something truly special. Developing this real estate will give the building a new lease of life and play in important role in helping to regenerate this part of the city. Recent work to improve the nearby railway station, as well as proximity to major employers such as The Co-op and the newly announced Amazon R&D centre, which is creating 600 new jobs, will make this an extremely attractive proposition to investors.”

The grade two listed building traces its history back to the 1870’s, when it was used as a print works for the Co-operative. During the 1990’s the building saw an incarnation as a crucial part of Manchester’s music scene, whereby both Oasis and James recorded early material at the site. Latterly, the space has been used as serviced offices.

Homezzz has been developed to address emerging trends in the property sector for private rental accommodation. Research suggests that, by 2035, more people are set to rent their properties, than own outright, and building like The Press will help address this demand.

Leeds Golf Centre begins planning application for £9 million expansion

Leeds Golf Centre has begun an application process to extend its existing facility into a multi-million-pound golf complex, complete with accommodation lodges, spa, fitness facilities and driving range expansion.

Since its acquisition by the Parklane Group in February 2011, Leeds Golf Centre has already undergone significant investment that has totally transformed the standard, appearance and fortunes of the facility and is now set for a further £9 million expansion.

This Group has begun formal discussions with Leeds City Council with a view to submitting formal planning applications this month. Should planning be successful, work is scheduled to being in Autumn 2018 with estimated competition in 2020.

The planned application will include the following features:

  • 38 eco-lodges will be positioned south of the facility – designed to cater golfers and leisure guests
  • Gym development
  • Spa facility with therapy rooms / health club
  • New Adventure Golf Course
  • A new 9-hole academy golf course will be developed
  • A new double heighted reception for all facilities will be created
  • Purpose built area with a dedicated reception, bar and children’s area
  • Two-storey driving range with 30 state of the art bays
  • Additional function rooms

Leeds Golf Centre - Rear

The improved facilities will not only benefit the existing 450 members, but will also provide employment opportunities to benefit the local community, with approximately 30 new jobs created.

With the addition of 38 eco-lodges on the site, the Group recognises an opportunity to increase tourism to the North Leeds area. The contribution of Golf tourism to the overall industry in England was 3% in 2014, with an estimated value of £109 million.* This also supports Leeds’ Capital of Culture Bid to bring an extra 2,500 beds to the region by 2023.

Nigel Sweet, Operations Manager at Leeds Gold Centre says, “Yorkshire and North Leeds is blessed with some of the best courses in the UK, with golf tourists travelling for a far to enjoy the unique and welcoming golf environments, including our 18-hole course at Wike Ridge. However, without suitable accommodation and facilities, it can be seen to drive golf groups away from the region to all-in-one complexes.”

Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive at Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “It’s fantastic to see such an ambitious project being proposed at Leeds Golf Centre and we wish them luck with their application. The changes already implemented at the complex have been hugely impressive and these future developments sound very exciting.”

Leeds Golf Centre - Front

 

*The Economic Impact of Golf on the Economy of England, England Golf Partnership, April 2014