All of the apartments at Stoke-on-Trent's first ever build-to-rent scheme are occupied - just 10 months after development was completed.
The 11-storey Clayworks scheme, which has been constructed as part of the £300 million Smithfield development in Hanley, boasts 43 studio apartments, 44 one-bedroom apartments and 64 two-bedroom apartments.
Now developer Gener8, which built Clayworks for Stoke-on-Trent City Council's private housing company, Fortior Homes, has revealed that 100 per cent of the new homes are now fully occupied.
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Richard Ingham, partner at Genr8 Developments, said: "The impressive uptake at Clayworks is testament to the quality provided by these modern homes. The outstanding facilities single the scheme out as one of the highest quality neighbourhoods in the city region.
Richard added: "There is clearly strong demand for PRS (private rented sector) accommodation in Stoke and with such exciting developments nearby, such as Hilton Garden Inn. There's lots to look forward to at Smithfield."
As well as 151 apartments, Clayworks features on-site leisure facilities, a roof terrace, resident lounge, a co-working space and landscaped courtyard. It is managed and operated by LIV Group.
Councillor Abi Brown, chair of Fortior Homes, said: "For the building to reach full capacity just 10 months after opening is a great success in its own right, but when you consider the fact this has been achieved during lockdowns and the uncertainty of life in a pandemic, then I think it's a really big vote of confidence not just for the development but the positive direction the city is moving in.
"I think most people would agree the city centre living offer is something that has needed improving for a while, especially when you compare Stoke-on-Trent to similar sized cities in the Midlands.
"Historically there's been a lack of choice for the type of people Clayworks is targeted at but the city centre is changing and has seen a lot of investment in recent years, so we knew the time was right for a scheme like this and that it would be a success.
"This development sets a benchmark for similar schemes that will follow and puts permanent residents in the heart of our city centre – providing a significant boost to footfall and nearby businesses at a crucial time for the city's economy."
