Bakery apartments sell like hot cakes
South Belfast News
July 7 2007
Over 100 luxury apartments at the old Ormeau Bakery site were snapped up
in a record number of hours last week - without any advertising.
Thousands registered their interest in the £35 million worth of property
over a year ago so developers, Big Picture Developments, were able to sell
the prestigious homes with no advertising.
The bakery, which first opened as Ormeau Bakery in 1890 to produce Ormo
Bread has now been transformed. The complex comprises of 157 loft-style
apartments, with car parking. A one-bedroom apartment at The Bakery, which
ranges in size from 550-650sq ft, sold for £250,000, while two-bed
flats cost between £300,000 and £360,000 for those who got in
on time.
The development features a courtyard specially designed by celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin and houses a large gym.
Barry Gilligan, director of Big Picture Developments, said the development had been carried out in a “sympathetic way” to retain much of the building's original character.
“We only intended to release 50 apartments in the first phase but
due to the strong demand we released over 100,” he said.
“Although the building did not have listed status, we have treated
it as such and have carefully and sympathetically retained the exterior
while adapting the interior to meet the requirements of modern living,”
added Mr Gilligan.
The architects behind the complex said many of the building's original features
such as the cantilevered staircase, the terrazzo tiles entrance and the
landmark exterior clock, were used as part of the design.
Thomas O'Doherty, associate at selling agent Eric Cairns Partnership, said the development was “one of the most successful ever sold in Belfast”. “We have had a huge interest in this scheme from both home-buyers and investors, but Big Picture Developments wanted to ensure that home-owners were given priority to buy into the development,” he said. “The Ormeau Road has become more attractive with its new restaurants, bars and shops as well as being easy accessible to the city centre,” he added.
