Category: May
Newcastle’s first skyscraper marks defining moment in the city’s history
Newcastle is soon to have its first skyscraper – the iconic Hadrian’s Tower, which will bring world-class, capital quality residences to the city. The building marks a defining moment for Newcastle’s development, just as the erection of Beetham Tower did for Manchester some 12 years ago.
Completed in 2006, at a cost of £150 million, Beetham Tower was a landmark building for Manchester. The tallest building in the UK outside of London and the highest residential building in Europe (at the time), it was seen by many as bringing Manchester into the big league in terms of its global city credentials.
From a property market perspective, Beetham Tower was also big news. Even today, the building’s iconic status means that it commands exceptional prices. Second hand sales there are reaching up to £750 per square foot. By way of comparison, new build units in Manchester are just starting to achieve £500 per square foot, meaning that Beetham Tower is achieving 150% above the best of the rest that Manchester has to offer.
Just as investors saw the potential of Beetham Tower in igniting interest in Manchester, Hadrian’s Tower in Newcastle is causing ripples of excitement within property circles. Showcased by its developers, The High Street Group, in Cannes at the MIPIM property show in March, the building has catapulted Newcastle to the attention of investors from around the globe. It will become Newcastle’s tallest building by a considerable margin, standing 82 metres tall and housing 27 storeys.

The Romans built the first bridge across the River Tyne at Newcastle nearly 2,000 years ago. Now, Hadrian’s Tower continues that spirit of proud ambition, taking the city to the next level just as that very first bridge did.
Expectations are certainly high for Hadrian’s Tower. At present, the priciest new builds can be found in the Gosforth area of the city, where they command up to around £450 per square foot. We anticipate that Hadrian’s Tower will emulate the impact of Beetham Tower in Manchester just over a decade ago, pushing price boundaries in Newcastle closer to £500 per square foot.
Newcastle already has so much to offer in terms of its credentials as a world-class city. The city is awash with culture and history, while its retail, dining and nightlife offering draws in crowds from across the North East and beyond. The skyline is already home to some stunning buildings and Hadrian’s Tower will elevate it to the next level. It’s a really special moment in Newcastle’s evolution.
For further details email us at: info@surrendeninvest.com or call us on: 0203 3726 499
Surrenden Invest takes pole position as primary sponsor of British racing driver Nick Yelloly
Combining his passion for motorsports with his respect for those who follow their dreams, Jonathan Stephens of leading property investment agency Surrenden Invest last year announced that his company was sponsoring promising racing driver Nick Yelloly.
Now, Jonathan has announced that Surrenden Invest will be the main sponsor backing Nick’s championship hopes for the 2018 season as well. Nick is racing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which started the new season in style in Barcelona over the weekend of 11-13 May. Having worked his way up from racing karts at the tender age of 15, Nick raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany last season, racking up three wins and eight podium positions across the cup’s 14 races. Now, he’s taking to Europe for the 2018 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, racing across the continent before heading over to Mexico for the season’s grand finale.
“It was a real privilege to sponsor such a talented driver and to see Nick flourish in Germany last year, so I’m delighted that he has accepted Surrenden Invest as his main sponsor as he tours Europe and South America this summer. Nurturing young talent in this way is a key part of keeping the racing industry alive. Having followed my own entrepreneurial vision from a young age, it’s fantastic to be able to support others in doing so.”
Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest
With the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup underway, Nick’s hopes are high. The determined young driver is raring to go, with his sights set on fighting for the championship win in 2018. Boasting more crowds and greater hype than the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup delivers an outstanding atmosphere. It also delivers greater exposure to sponsors, which to Nick is an important factor.

“Racing as we know and love it would simply not be possible without sponsorship; the industry as a whole owes so much to its sponsors. For me personally, Surrenden Invest’s sponsorship is allowing me to live my dream and be the best driver that I can be – I wouldn’t be able to race in a top team without this kind of funding. However, there’s also the personal element of the support – Jonathan was out in Barcelona this weekend, and plans to be in Monaco for the second race of the season.”
Nick Yelloly
The Monaco circuit is a firm favourite with many racing drivers and Nick is no exception. Silverstone also makes for a very special race, in part because of its legendary status and in part because, living just 40 minutes away, Nick always has plenty of hometown support behind him when he races there. Surrenden Invest’s Jonathan Stephens intends to be among those cheering Nick on.
““The race day atmosphere is always an electric one, and having a vested interest in seeing Nick drive makes it even more exciting. Surrenden Invest is proud to be a young, aspiring company sponsoring a young, aspiring driver – there’s a real synergy there, and we wish Nick every success for the coming season.”
Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest
For further details email us at: info@surrendeninvest.com or call us on: 0203 3726 499
Surrenden Invest partners with David Phillips to offer residents and property investors a superior living experience
As the UK’s residential property market matures, leading developers and agents are forming new partnerships in order to drive up standards for both residents and investors.
“Investors used to be happy to purchase unfurnished apartments, but we’re seeing a maturation of investor interest. Properties that make being an investor/landlord easier have the edge over those that don’t. At the same time, those properties need to offer something exciting and fresh to tenants to make them stand out. These considerations are driving developers to innovate not just in the design and facilities of their buildings, but also in terms of the additional extras.”
Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest
Furnishings are the perfect example. There was a time, not so long ago, when investing in a property meant buying an apartment, then arranging how to furnish it in order to appeal to tenants while not spending any more than was necessary. Now, increasingly, developers are connecting with professional furniture companies in order to offer investors (and tenants) a more complete package.
The Tannery in Liverpool is one such example. Apartments within the new luxury development are available with David Phillips furniture packages. The bespoke furniture packs have been created to suit the particular style, location and aspirational image of The Tannery, setting a tone that perfectly suits the property and those who will live there.
“As the UK’s largest and most design-led furniture provider, David Phillips are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Surrenden Invest. We have put together an exclusive furniture collection completely bespoke to The Tannery development. We are tasked with not only providing your furniture but augmenting your environment and lifestyle through award-winning services, honed through nearly two decades of experience.”
Alistair Dickson, Head of Residential Sales (North), David Phillips
It’s a winning situation for all concerned. The property is less hassle for investors who can purchase turnkey, ready-to-rent properties meanwhile residents can enjoy living in a professionally styled home from the moment they move in.
As the rental market comes of age, the nature of furniture packs is also changing. Standards are being raised, with packages including far more than just the essentials. Framed prints, mirrors, luxury linens and kitchen packs are all becoming increasingly common.
Contemporary residents are often sold on the idea of the show home at new build developments and an increasing number of them expect to enjoy a similar standard of furnishing in their own apartment.
“The days of landlords furnishing their rental apartments with odd bits of furniture that they no longer have a use for in their main residence are long gone. Investors and tenants are both seeking a complete package now – and that includes premium furniture and soft furnishings. That’s why partnerships with companies such as David Phillips have become essential for those developers who are looking to remain at the forefront of the market.”
Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest
For further details email us at: info@surrendeninvest.com or call us on: 0203 3726 499
Waterside living standards reach new heights in Manchester, while rents rise across the North West
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have revealed that annual rental prices in the North West of England increased by 1.3% in the year to September 2017. However, rents aren’t the only thing going up in the North West – accommodation standards have rocketed in recent years, as highlighted by the freshly completed Wilburn Basin development.
The development offers an unrivalled standard of accommodation. It has elevated waterside living in Manchester to the next level. The quality of the interiors is second to none and we’re delighted to see such a contemporary and stylish property added to the rental offering in this exciting city market.
We recently spoke with Richard Lynch of Renaker Build Limited, the developers of Wilburn Basin. He has shared why it was important to provide such standout accommodation for Manchester’s rental market.
Wilburn Basin is clearly finished to a very high specification. Why did you feel that such internal quality was important for this development?
We take a pride in the quality of finish in each apartment within all of our schemes. Wilburn Basin was no exception. We do tend to see improvements in a chronological fashion with each development and it was important to us to ensure Wilburn Basin was a step up from recently completed developments we have in the city.
