Placefirst chosen by Bury Council for town centre office-to-resi conversion

Bury Council has named build-to-rent developer-operator Placefirst as the preferred partner to convert a 30,000 sq ft office site known as Humphrey House into 74 new homes in the town centre.

The scheme forms part of the ongoing regeneration of Bury and will support the Council’s housing strategy, which is to deliver a balanced and diverse housing supply, by increasing the amount of quality, safe and secure rental homes.

In its procurement process, Bury Council sought an established build-to-rent developer with experience in delivering conversion and regeneration schemes. Placefirst has demonstrated its expertise through conversion projects such as Elevate Manchester, where the developer transformed a disused former job centre into a successful build-to-rent scheme that was 85% pre-let by completion.

Placefirst is also on track to complete a scheme in nearby Bolton this year – a £35m neighbourhood consisting of 167 homes on a 1.1-hectare brownfield site identified as part of Bolton Council’s £1bn masterplan to transform the town centre.

Phil Jones, Development Director at Placefirst: “Bury Council’s commitment to a people-first approach in its housing strategy aligns with our dedication to ensuring high-quality homes are available to all. Our commitment to delivering energy efficient homes that lower bills for residents will also ensure that this project meaningfully contributes to the positive regeneration of the town centre. We look forward to working closely in partnership with Bury Council and beginning work on site later this year.”

Councillor Clare Cummins, Cabinet Member for Housing, Bury Council: “Humphrey House is a key town centre site, which when redeveloped will offer high quality aspirational housing close to public transport links.

“The redevelopment will add to and complement dynamic regeneration plans at the adjacent market and wider reimagining of the Mill Gate shopping centre. Together, this will provide additional footfall to nearby traders, galvanise Bury’s day and night-time economy and provide much needed housing in the town centre.”

Humphrey House is one of several brownfield sites the council is bringing forwards as part of its ambitious housing delivery programme.

ENDS

Issued: 6 February 2025.

Notes to Editors

About Placefirst

Placefirst is an award-winning UK build-to-rent and single-family rental provider, specialising in creating neighbourhoods of high-quality, well-maintained homes that delight residents.

Every development is designed bespoke to the needs of the residents and Placefirst is responsible for all aspects of the process from design, through to developing, letting and maintaining the homes and neighbourhoods. Placefirst’s commitment to placemaking is shown through a strong track record of existing developments, creating communities with a real sense of place, supported by dedicated on-site resident services managers. Established in 2010, Placefirst has over 1,500 homes in the current portfolio, with a projection of reaching 6,500 in the coming years. Placefirst makes renting stress-free so residents can get more joy from their home life.