Redwing and partner M&Y Maintenance and Construction have a long-established working relationship that allows us to together provide seamless project support, from initial design to property management and maintenance. Together Redwing and M&Y Maintenance and Construction provide tailored support packages to suit your organisation’s needs, helping at specific stages or complete end-to-end support. As we approach completion at our latest partnership development, The Drapery, find out more about how together we put our projects into practice!
The Drapery Project Overview
Name: The Drapery
Contract Value: £2.2m
Size: 24 studio, one and two-bedroom apartments
Tenure: Private Rent
Location: Liverpool City Centre
The Brief
For The Drapery project, M&Y Maintenance and Construction were tasked with completing a full retrofit of a 200-year-old property, transforming this neglected space into 24 contemporary and energy-efficient apartments for private rent while preserving elements of the building’s original architecture.
Redwing’s role was to create a brand for the property inspired by the story of London Road, a historic street in Liverpool’s Fabric District, known for its leading textile industry. Additionally, Redwing aimed to ensure a 100% reserved off-plan rate to prevent void loss and deliver a property management service that would enhance residents’ lives.
M&Y Maintenance and Construction committed to providing responsive repairs and maintenance services for the property going forward.
The Building Transformation
M&Y Maintenance and Construction successfully completed a comprehensive retrofit of the property, which included modifications to the internal structure and layout while preserving the period architecture. Key enhancements included the installation of LED lighting, electric heating, and internal wall insulation to reduce residents’ bills and improve the building’s carbon footprint. Remarkably, the majority of the apartments now boast an EPC rating of C, aligning with the government’s target of EPC C or above by 2030.
The building’s modern finishes have resulted in 24 stylish and contemporary apartments, receiving praise from residents like Susie, who exclaimed, “I thought The Drapery was amazing! The way it was designed went past my expectations; the light made it feel so warm and welcoming. The staff added to that too; they were all so kind! Being located steps away from Liverpool One was a great plus for me, never mind it being in the midst of a foodie’s paradise!”
The Marketing Magic
Redwing breathed life into The Drapery with a name and brand that paid homage to the building’s history and its location on London Road, a historic hub of Liverpool’s textile industry. Various marketing materials were developed, including brochures and online advertising, all featuring The Drapery’s contemporary branding, seamlessly blending with the stylish and modern design of the refurbished apartments.
The Lettings Success
Redwing orchestrated a viewing day at the development during the refurbishment phase, allowing interested customers to explore the property and view a show apartment thoughtfully decorated and furnished to offer a glimpse into life at their potential new home. The Lettings team sweetened the deal by introducing a £50 welcome home voucher for attendees to spend on their first grocery shop or new home essentials like a kettle and toaster.
Redwing’s Lettings team excelled at preparing residents for move-in day, handling deposits, conducting eligibility and reference checks, and arranging move-in appointments. The Redwing team will be on-site to show residents how to use their new appliances and provide assistance, ensuring a seamless transition.
Paula Davies, Lettings Manager at Redwing, expressed her excitement, saying, “The Lettings team at Redwing were so excited to host the first viewing day at The Drapery. We knew these apartments would be an extremely popular addition to the lettings market, and it shows in our 90% off-plan reservation rate! We cannot wait to welcome tenants to their new dream home at The Drapery.”
In conclusion, the successful partnership between Redwing and M&Y Maintenance and Construction has breathed new life into The Drapery, transforming a neglected historic property into a contemporary oasis in the heart of Liverpool City Centre. The project’s achievements, from energy efficiency improvements to exceptional branding and lettings success, serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the property development industry. The Drapery stands as a shining example of how a shared vision and dedication to excellence can yield remarkable results.
