Alban House developer praises skills and quality of Hereford building contractors

The developer behind the restoration of a major part of High Town in Hereford has praised the local contractors who have delivered “an exceptional product”.

Steve Dodd, managing director of Elevate Property Group, said he was very impressed with the work of the team at C J Bayliss (Hereford) Ltd in redeveloping and restoring Alban House.

The site has been rebuilt after it was ravaged by a fire in 2010 which brought Hereford to a standstill and required over 100 firefighters to bring it under control and stop it spreading to neighbouring properties.

Steve Dodd said: “This was never going to be an easy project. We knew that when we took it on in 2017. The site had stood derelict for seven years and there was enormous pressure on Herefordshire Council to do something about this prominent site that was frankly blighting one of the more attractive parts of the city.

“We worked with local planners to find a solution, and even finding Saxon ramparts dating back to the late 9th Century didn’t put us off!”

The project proceeded after careful archaeological assessment and chronicling by county experts.

Steve Dodd added: “We like to source our contractors locally wherever possible and we have been very pleased with the quality of workmanship and the team spirit shown by everyone at C J Bayliss. They have delivered an exceptional product.”

Then in 2018, in order to protect the site and their investment, Elevate Property Group bought the neighbouring pub, The Booth Hall, which dates back to 1392 and became a public house in the 15th century.

C J Bayliss started work on Alban House in September 2018 working with development managers BACE Construction Consultants who have overseen the project.

Now completion of the project is on the horizon with work on schedule to be finished on before Christmas.

David Hofton, Elevate Property Group’s sales and marketing director, said: “Alban House has been a labour of love for us.

“As responsible developers, we are very conscious of the heritage of the cathedral city of Hereford and we wanted to ensure that we respect the history of the site, while ultimately bringing to the market much needed accommodation in this popular part of the city.”

“At times it seemed as if this site was determined not to be redeveloped but we have been buoyed up by the support of residents and Herefordshire Council who were keen for us to make progress.”

To mark the pending completion, Elevate Property Group is holding a “twilight viewing” with mulled wine and mince pies on late shopping night on Wednesday 4 December.

With 50% of Alban House’s 18 residential dwellings and two ground floor retail units already reserved, Hereford residents will be able to see for themselves what has been achieved in just 16 months.

Properties still available include one bedroom apartments available with Help to Buy priced at £135,000 and £165,000. Also available are two bedroom apartments with balconies, ranging from £250,000 to £300,000.

The gated courtyard provides parking and gives access to the two bedroom cottage, priced at £260,000.

David Hofton added: “Alban House is an unusual development as there is a wide range of bedrooms and styles of property available within the one development and that is one of its most attractive features.”

Invitations to view Alban House or to attend the twilight viewing on Wednesday 4 December are available from agent Arkwright Owens in Hereford on 01432 267213, or Connells on 01432 267511.

For more information, see Alban House