Tenants on the look-out for a new home are being invited to view some of the rooms at Stoke-on-Trent's £22m Clayworks development - virtually.
The 11-storey, 151-room building - which is being built as part of Hanley's Smithfield scheme - is due for completion in the Autumn, with the first residents expected to be welcomed in September.
But after the coronavirus lockdown put to stop to all face-to-face viewings, LIV Group has now taken all of its viewings online.
The move, which is being called a 'Covid-19 pivot strategy', means renters will be guided through the one and two-bed apartments and studios via video.
People will also be able to book live viewings to give them the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.
Richard Swann, asset manager at LIV Group – the company responsible for leasing and managing the apartments – said: “The coronavirus pandemic has thrown absolutely everything into uncertainty, so it was important to us that we could still give potential residents a flavour for what life at Clayworks will be like – and a sense of security that their move-ins will still be able to go ahead.
“We’re fortunate to have the tech to be able to support this – we’ve been sending out videos of the show apartments to residents for a few months now, and from 15 June, we have been carrying out live video viewings.
“It’s very possible that, looking ahead, we see the residential property industry shift full-time towards remote and tech-driven leasing. Whilst it’s presented a certain set of challenges, COVID-19 has also demonstrated that renters are responding well to this type of marketing, and there could be scope to operate more frequently on this basis and use resource formerly allocated to in-person viewings elsewhere.”
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When finished, Clayworks will boast 43 studio apartments, 44 one-bedroom apartments and 54 two-bed apartments which will be available for a monthly fee of £450, £550 or £750 respectively.
The tower block will come complete with cycle storage and a co-working space as well as a postal room. There will also be bookable event rooms and a roof terrace with BBQ facilities.
The apartments are being constructed by Willmott Dixon and form part of the wider Smithfield development which is being delivered by Genr8 Developments in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Fortior Homes, the council’s wholly-owned private housing company, will own and oversee the operations of Clayworks.
Richard added: “Clayworks is being built with style and practicality in mind. The apartments have high-quality, modern, and robust finishes, and are also designed with energy efficiency and low running costs in mind.
“We’re confident that they’re unlike anything else currently on the market in Stoke-on-Trent, and we’re targeting the city’s growing young professional population, as well as downsizers. The amenity on offer at the scheme will cater seamlessly to these groups, affording them a community-focused lifestyle which will support their busy lives.”
Councillor Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Fortior Board chair, said: “We remain extremely excited about the Clayworks city centre living offer, a real first for Stoke-on-Trent. I’m pleased that we’re able to provide state-of-the-art digital viewing alternatives so people can see first-hand what they can expect from the high-end living experience at Clayworks.
“Interest has been high right from the start of the year, and although physical viewings aren’t as easy at the moment, we’re confident that this alternative option gives potential residents a good feel for the apartments – true city centre living at its best.”