Final home to be sold will close the book on Alban House

The final chapter in one of Hereford’s longest running regeneration stories is about to be written at 16-18 High Town, the scene of a devastating fire just over 11 years ago.

It was at 4.25am on the morning of October 21, 2010, that the severe fire that gutted the buildings now reborn as Alban House was first spotted.

At the height of the blaze, over 60 firefighters from all over Herefordshire fought to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring buildings.

But as the smoke cleared, it became apparent there would be no quick fix to the damage that had been wrought.

The devastation to the three four-storey buildings involved would take a major commitment to repair and regenerate and for many years the site remained an eyesore on High Town.

It was not until 2017, when developers Elevate Property Group acquired the site, that any hope was held out for a solution.

Even then the regeneration programme was fraught with setbacks, ranging from the requirement for a new power supply after an electricity sub-station was destroyed in the fire, to the discovery of Saxon ramparts dating back to the 9th century within the foundations, requiring careful archaeological assessment and chronicling by county experts.

But the dogged determination of Elevate Property Group, working with Hereford builders C J Bayliss (Hereford) Ltd, finally brought life back to the site and preserved the Grade II frontage.

The result was the provision of 18 new homes and two ground floor retail units, now let and occupied by Principality Building Society and greengrocers Cherries & Berries.

Now, just one of the 18 new homes created remains available, a two bed, two bath apartment on offer at £260,000. The apartment has views of High Town to the front and with the availability of a car space in the gated courtyard / car park to the rear, viewing is recommended.

More details are available from joint selling agents Arkwright Owens on 01432 267213, or Connells on 01432 267511.

Elevate sales and marketing director David Hofton said: “A major feature of the re-development at Alban House was the decision to create such a wide range of accommodation, with something for everyone from young first time buyers, local workers, investors, and the older “lock up and leave” generation who want a pied-a-terre in Hereford but may choose to spend colder months in sunnier climates.”

Alban House offered a range from one bedroom apartments available with Help to Buy, to two bedroom apartments with south-facing balconies, and the gated courtyard includes the parking and gives access to the two bedroom cottage within.

Elevate, which recently celebrated ten years in business, has built over 1,000 homes in its first decade, but expects to build a further 536 properties in 2022 alone.

These include 79 loft-style apartments at Priory House in Birmingham, 57 new homes at Heaton House in Camden Street and 85 new apartments at Price Street.

Next year will also see work starting on 258 apartments at Liversage Street Derby, 60 new apartments on the next phase of the popular Princes Gate development in Solihull, and the second phase of the Trent Bridge Quays development in Nottingham will also provide 58 new homes, with construction commencing on 18 new homes at Edith Walk, Malvern.

Elevate Property Group has built a reputation for quality medium rise residential developments in the past decade and is acquisitive, constantly looking for more redevelopment opportunities.