Calculated risk adds up for Rowland

The confidence to make an unconditional offer on contaminated land won Rowland Homes a highly sought after site in Little Lever, Bolton.

The 1.7 acre site, on Fearnyside, was offered for sale on the open market with no existing planning permission. Previously accommodating a soap factory and chemical works, the land requires significant remediation to facilitate development.

Its prime residential location in an up and coming suburb of Bolton ensured strong interest from competitors, but Rowland’s aggressive unconditional bid couldn’t be matched.

Regional managing director, Steven Allenby, commented: “We believe we were the only company to make an unconditional offer and that speaks volumes about the Rowland attitude and risk management vision. It is also reflective of the pro-active culture of enterprise encouraged throughout the company.

“The site is prime for development and our experience in delivering remediation strategies and achieving planning put us ahead of the competition with the assured unconditional bid. We have the technical ability to take a strategic approach to the problems presented by brownfield land and a proven track record in the provision of effective solutions.

“The acquisition will serve to bolster our presence in the Bolton area, providing a distinct contrast to our current bespoke, gated development of six-bedroom detached homes on Chorley New Road, allowing us to further demonstrate our diverse product portfolio and ability to meet market demands.”

Rowland has submitted plans to build 35 units comprising a mix of apartments, townhouses and detached homes.

Previously owned by cleaning material manufacturer Acdoco, the successful acquisition of the site will facilitate the consolidation of its premises within the Bolton area.

Rowland Homes continues to strengthen its market position by developing in territory further afield its well-established Lancashire base. A successful strategic push to capture more land in Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Central Manchester has enhanced its geographical spread of current and forthcoming developments.

Rowland has active sites in Manchester, Wirral, Mossley, Monton, Morecambe, Bolton and Chorley and is scheduled to launch further sites in Stockport, Bolton, Wirral, Liverpool and Widnes later this year.

The company is on track to bolster its turnover from £42 million in 2006 to £80 million in 2008 with an increase in unit turnover from 230 to 500 units.

For further information visit rowland.co.uk.