New homes snapped up in Smethwick

George Wimpey West Midlands’ chiefs said sales were strong and they had already sold over 60 per cent of the family-friendly homes at Victoria Gardens just off Cape Hill, which they had aimed to sell by the end of 2009.

Developers said this prestigious development of 68 premier homes on the former North site of the famous Cape Hill Brewery has seen a sales boom – eight properties recently selling in just two weeks for example – that is bucking the national downturn in the housing market.

Sales & marketing director, Carol Edwards, says: “Despite the current trend, both visitor levels and sales at Victoria Gardens have been really encouraging – and we remain cautiously optimistic because the desire to buy a new-build home is still there. Plus more sustainable price levels and lowest ever interest rates give us confidence in the affordability of new homes going forward.”

The entrance to Victoria Gardens is just off Cape Hill (A4092), which is a major route within the area and leads to the main shopping area to the west and onto Dudley Road (A457) to the east. Areas of open space are proposed within the development to retain a sense of open expanse and softening to the build form – and these green pockets will provide character and further improve the quality of the public realm.

In short, Victoria Gardens fully embraces the Government’s urban design vision of ‘continuity’ (a place where public and private space are clearly distinguishable), ‘legibility’ (a place that has a clear image and is easy to understand), ‘commutability’ (somewhere that’s easy to get to and move through), ‘adaptability’ (a place that can easily change) and ‘diversity’ (somewhere with variety and choice).

Current availability includes a designer one bedroom coach house (highly unusual in that it’s detached) for just £90,995 – or £80,000 for a quick 28 day completion. What’s more, the ‘Leamington’ has its own private entrance and an allocated parking space, plus it’s open plan for the ultimate in modern city living. Other availability at Victoria Gardens includes traditional three bedroom mews homes with garage from only £145,995, contemporary three bedroom three storey properties with garage from just £154,995 and four bedroom townhouses with garage from just £157,995.

The sales centre and showhome is open Thursday – Monday from 10am – 5pm.

For more information visit Georgewimpey.co.uk.