Riverside solution to schools places crisis
A new phase of family homes at Bath Riverside is expected to attract interest from parents affected by the primary school places crisis in London.
Crest Nicholson’s Bath Riverside development has received considerable attention from prospective buyers located in the capital and the Home Counties since it was launched, and the latest release of three and four-bedroom townhouses has proven particularly popular with families.
Susan Young, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson said the recent announcement of state primary school place allocations was likely to prompt some families to move to Bath from London after their children did not receive places at the schools they wanted them to attend.
She explained: “Nearly all families in Bath succeeded in getting their children into their first or second choice of primary school, with 88 per cent being allocated their first choice, and nine per cent receiving their second choice.
“Bath Riverside has already attracted attention from those looking to move out of London but still enjoy the benefits of city living, and we anticipate disappointment over primary school allocation in London will prompt some families to consider the options available to them in Bath.
“Not only is there better availability of state school places in Bath, but moving from London could provide some families with an opportunity to release property equity which they could use towards fees for private schools of their choice in the city.
“Statistics show that in the past four years property prices in Bath have risen by an average of 14 per cent, while the figure for the South East is 17 per cent.”
A record number of children in the UK are this year expected to miss out on places at primary schools their parents had hoped they would attend. Analysis of data from councils has shown up to 80,000 will not get their first choice, and more than 20,000 will not be allocated places at any of their three preferred schools.
Susan Young added that many of the townhouses in Longmead Terrace at Bath Riverside are now ready to move into.
Susan added: “If they can obtain a place in one of the Bath schools a family could move into one of these new hones in the centre of Bath over the summer holidays and be ready for the start of the new school term in September 2015.
“Also those worried about the 2016 allocation should consider now what their next move should be in order to secure a place in their preferred school.
“Bath Riverside is close to numerous primary and secondary schools. It is also just a short walk from Bath’s bustling city-centre along the pedestrian tow path. Those wanting to catch a train further afield can also walk to the station in about 15 minutes.”
Sales at Bath Riverside recently passed 200 in recent weeks, and more properties are expected to be reserved in coming weeks following the opening of a new show home which has attracted numerous potential buyers wanting to see what’s on offer and how the development is transforming the south side of the River Avon.
For further information on family homes at Bath Riverside, visit crestnicholson.com/bathriverside.
