Park Central gets full marks from Birmingham students
Young professionals have long given Park Central their vote of confidence for its range of competitively priced, architecturally designed apartments, and for its position as Birmingham’s only city centre development with eight acres of parkland at its core. Now, according to developer Crest Nicholson, the city’s students are getting in on the act at Park Central too.
Bordered by Bath Row and Lee Bank Middleway, Park Central is a pioneering apartment-led scheme which has scored highly with homebuyers due to its innovative selection of one and two bedroom apartments, penthouses and freehold townhouses – all set around acres of landscaped public parkland.
Responding to the challenges of the marketplace, Crest has introduced Government assistance schemes including HomeBuy Direct at Park Central, helping many first time buyers onto the property ladder at the development; however another emerging trend throughout this year has been the rise in parents securing apartments for their sons/ daughters at university or college in the city.
Victoria Summers, aged 19, is currently studying at the University of Birmingham after spending the past five years moving between Austria, Belgium and England. Having completed the first year of her European Studies course, Victoria was set to move into a shared house with other students. But with Victoria’s father looking for a sound investment opportunity, they decided that purchasing a new apartment and saving on rent was the best way forward, especially considering that Victoria had already made the decision to settle in Birmingham after completing her degree.
Victoria explained: “I spent the first year of my degree studying in Birmingham and I’d therefore heard the buzz about Park Central. I was keen to take a look around and see what was on offer; and after visiting the development with my Dad, we decided Park Central was perfect for me as a place to see out my degree and to put down roots here in Birmingham. The sales team were really helpful and I moved in within just two weeks.
“There are so many benefits to living at Park Central. There are lots of young people living here and there’s a real sense of community – I’ve already made friends with my next door neighbour. But the real advantage of living here for me is that it is so accessible. With the city centre and Five Ways train station just a five minute walk away, I can get to university really quickly or explore what Birmingham has to offer whenever I want.
“I hope to join the Navy when I complete my degree, and since I’m planning on staying in Birmingham after graduating, purchasing a new property made sense. I never thought I’d enjoy living in a city, but looking out the window I have a view of the park and I have to say I’ve been converted. It’s so quiet and calm here that it’s difficult to believe that I’m literally in the city centre.”
A selection of contemporary one bedroom apartments is currently available at Park Central priced from just £99,950, with two bedroom apartments available from £139,950.
HomeBuy Direct is currently available for eligible purchasers with a household income of less than £60,000. Buyers who take advantage of the government assistance scheme may be able to secure a home with a mortgage as low £69,965 –70 per cent of the price of the property – with the government covering up to 30 per cent of the price with a loan.
Jo Parker, sales manager at Park Central, said: “Birmingham has a student population of around 50,000 and many of these young people are exploring alternatives to student accommodation in a bid to make the most of their experience of Birmingham and to enjoy city living to its fullest. Likewise, there is a growing group of parents who are looking to make a long term investment in bricks and mortar, at a time when property prices are very competitive, and to give their sons or daughters the security of a low maintenance, well-located apartment.
“At Park Central we have a range of properties which meet these requirements and offer homebuyers the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with the balancing effect of a calming environment literally on the doorstep.”
The marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm and is located at Park Central, 2 Mason Way, Birmingham B15 2EY. Alternatively, visit parkcentral.co.uk.
