GTH helps open new chapter at former library site
September 2024
A unique collection of homes which has breathed new life into a forgotten corner of a Somerset town has been achieved with the expertise of property specialists Greenslade Taylor Hunt.
The former county library headquarters and register office in Bridgwater, had lain empty and disused for years. It was sold off in 2019 by Graham Ford, Partner in GTH’s Development Land and Planning Department, on behalf of the then Somerset County Council, marketed with a guide price of £450,000.
“The site offered the rare opportunity to purchase and redevelop a property close to Bridgwater town centre. Many of the buildings lent themselves to conversion to residential,” explained Mr Ford.
The potential of this prime site was immediately identified by Bridgwater-based developers Axeus Homes, who undertook a sympathetic restoration of the Grade II listed old library building. They augmented this with a range of modern apartments and homes.
“As developers, we want to have control over the entire planning and design process right through to the exceptional high-quality build and finish of all our homes.
Our aim has always been to design our own development schemes and not use or inherit some other designer’s scheme. This ensures each development is unique and full of character resulting in each home being spacious with thoughtfully designed floorplan,” said Naeem Arif, Construction Director, at Axeus Homes.
The location, within walking distance of the town centre, and the Northgate Yard leisure complex, is now one of Bridgwater’s most desirable addresses.
“It’s a really good example of a brown field site being successfully re-developed,” explained Mr Ford.
Re-named Morgan’s Quarter – it takes its name from the former Dr Morgan’s Grammar School, which occupied the site until its move in the late 1930s.
The development is an asset to the town. It cherishes the past, while providing the best in modern design to suit the needs of 21st Century living. Communal electric vehicle charging points and secure bicycle storage areas are part of the renovation.
The select development provides 33 homes – a stunning blend of two and three-bedroom apartments and houses.
During the build process GTH provided a comprehensive range of professional advice encompassing marketing, branding and advertising.
In addition, GTH deployed New Homes Sales Executive Pam Midgley, from the firm’s New Homes department, on site overseeing, negotiating and managing all 33 sales. GTH’s Bridgwater residential office advised on potential buyers from its extensive list of interested clients.
A number of the properties appealed to investors, who bought through GTH, and now have the firm’s lettings branch at Bridgwater managing their investments.
With the development now complete GTH’s property management arm is responsible for the day-to-day running of the site.
The former county library headquarters and register office in Bridgwater, had lain empty and disused for years. It was sold off in 2019 by Graham Ford, Partner in GTH’s Development Land and Planning Department, on behalf of the then Somerset County Council, marketed with a guide price of £450,000.
“The site offered the rare opportunity to purchase and redevelop a property close to Bridgwater town centre. Many of the buildings lent themselves to conversion to residential,” explained Mr Ford.
The potential of this prime site was immediately identified by Bridgwater-based developers Axeus Homes, who undertook a sympathetic restoration of the Grade II listed old library building. They augmented this with a range of modern apartments and homes.
“As developers, we want to have control over the entire planning and design process right through to the exceptional high-quality build and finish of all our homes.
Our aim has always been to design our own development schemes and not use or inherit some other designer’s scheme. This ensures each development is unique and full of character resulting in each home being spacious with thoughtfully designed floorplan,” said Naeem Arif, Construction Director, at Axeus Homes.
The location, within walking distance of the town centre, and the Northgate Yard leisure complex, is now one of Bridgwater’s most desirable addresses.
“It’s a really good example of a brown field site being successfully re-developed,” explained Mr Ford.
Re-named Morgan’s Quarter – it takes its name from the former Dr Morgan’s Grammar School, which occupied the site until its move in the late 1930s.
The development is an asset to the town. It cherishes the past, while providing the best in modern design to suit the needs of 21st Century living. Communal electric vehicle charging points and secure bicycle storage areas are part of the renovation.
The select development provides 33 homes – a stunning blend of two and three-bedroom apartments and houses.
During the build process GTH provided a comprehensive range of professional advice encompassing marketing, branding and advertising.
In addition, GTH deployed New Homes Sales Executive Pam Midgley, from the firm’s New Homes department, on site overseeing, negotiating and managing all 33 sales. GTH’s Bridgwater residential office advised on potential buyers from its extensive list of interested clients.
A number of the properties appealed to investors, who bought through GTH, and now have the firm’s lettings branch at Bridgwater managing their investments.
With the development now complete GTH’s property management arm is responsible for the day-to-day running of the site.