£6m Sheffield residential scheme on Ecclesall Road nears completion

A residential scheme to convert three former offices blocks on Sheffield’s Ecclesall Road into more than 100 apartments and studios is nearing completion.

The three former office blocks were completely stripped bare to be used by Porterbrook House Ltd, which is part of Sheffield-based City Estates.

Previously occupied by the Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, the four-storey blocks are being turned into rented residential accommodation at a cost of around £6m.

Finishing touches are being made to the 105 one-bed studios and apartments, which owners and landlords Porterbrook House Ltd believe will appeal to young professionals and single people or couples. It is thought some post-graduate students may also be attracted.

All studios and apartments have kitchens with a full oven and hob, a dishwasher and island units with granite worktops. All bedrooms – separate rooms in the apartments which also have an entrance hall - have a double bed and a fitted wardrobe. Bathrooms have a shower.

Accommodation also includes a washing machine, fridge freezer, central heating, a TV and colour co-ordinated soft furnishings.

First residents of Porterbrook North, South and Central - at the corner of Pear Street and Pomona Street - are due to move in this summer.

Rents are between £525 and £650 a month, including broadband and wifi, but excluding other bills. There will be a nominal charge for a parking space. West One Lettings, which has an office around the corner on Ecclesall Road, is handling the properties.

Andrea Marsden, marketing and residential manager, said: “We are raising the bar with the standard of the accommodation, which is higher than in typical rented properties. We are trying to make it look like your own home.

“There is also the advantage of the parking spaces. It is a short drive to the Peak District, but if you haven’t got a vehicle, Ecclesall Road and the city centre are within easy walking distance.”

Andrea added: “There is a lifestyle feel to Porterbrook. It’s stylish, and we are aiming more at the professional market, but the location means the apartments and studios may also appeal to some students. We also believe they offer good value for money.”

The portfolio of City Estates includes the West One residential and commercial complex in Fitzwilliam Street, the new Gatecrasher student apartments at the corner of Arundel Street and Matilda Street and developments in Glasgow, Nottingham, Bradford and London.

It is also starting to roll out a major residential, commercial and leisure complex around Sidney Street on the edge of Sheffield city centre, in the Cultural Industries Quarter.

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