Bolton-based Forrest chosen for phase two of £24.4m X1 development

Forrest, the Bolton-headquartered contractor, has been chosen to deliver phase two of the £24.4m X1 Eastbank development in Manchester.

The private rented sector (PRS) project, named X1 The Plaza, includes 201 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments built over 10 levels, in addition to a gym and a 102-space car park.

Phase two is expected to begin in February, while work on phase one will wrap up this summer.

Forrest’s head of new build, Neil Ashworth, said: “Developing the first phase of this scheme was our entrance into the PRS sector and this second appointment is further evidence of the quality our team is capable of delivering.

“Bolstering our credentials in the private residential market continues to be part of our ongoing diversification strategy. New build private development is set to continue across the country in line with growing demand for owned and rented properties.”

He continued: “This, coupled with our track record in high-rise residential, means we’re in a particularly strong position to capture work coming forth across the industry.”

Knight Knox was appointed as the agent on the development, while original designs were created by Liverpool-firm DK Architects.

Melissa Green is the operations and regional director at X1, the Liverpool-based property investor and developer behind the X1 Eastbank scheme.

She commented: “We are delighted to be working with Forrest again on X1 The Plaza following our successful partnership to date on X1 Eastbank. These development schemes have proved extremely popular with both already being fully sold out.

“Having seen the surge in demand within the private residential market, phase 2 promises 11 luxury penthouses, seven townhouses and an assortment of 201 exclusive one, two and three bedroom apartments.”

Melissa added: “X1 has already registered a high volume of interest amongst those keen to secure accommodation ahead of the Summer 2016 completion date of X1 Eastbank and we look forward to replicating the same success upon completion of X1 The Plaza.”