Latest news with #VanguardProperties
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Industrial UK town dubbed ‘hell on earth' to turn shabby old shopping centre into ‘go-to destination' in huge revamp
EXTREME MAKEOVER There are talks of another large national chain joining the centre A SHABBY old shopping centre in an industrial UK town is set to receive a multi-million-pound revamp. Property developers purchased the town's central shopping centre from former owners late last year, with major plans to transform it. 3 3 3 It comes two years after the town's centre was dubbed " hell on earth" by locals who were facing a series of youth vandalism occurrences. Youth gangs were known to start fights, vandalise and cause chaos particularly around the town's central shopping area. Locals claimed they were hold the town hostage, as youths on bikes were often seen entering stores, and terrifying customers of all ages. But last year, ambitious plans to revitalise the town centre from almost a decade ago began to be put in place. The Forum Shopping Centre in the heart of Sittingbourne, Kent was then bought for £2.4 million by Vanguard Properties UK Ltd from Praxis in December. Director of Vanguard, Kamal Farid, told KentOnline: "We want to attract a higher footfall into the shopping centre." He hopes to do this by enhancing the retail, food and beverages outlets. "The only way to do this is by attracting shops that you cannot find online", Mr Farid added. 'We also want to redevelop the shopping centre as much as we can, make it lively, make it a good place for families and all the people in the community to come here and enjoy their time. "This project was a very big challenge because there were nine vacant units [but] since our takeover in December, there are only four vacant units left.' Kent residents fuming at disturbance caused by local amusement park A Costa Coffee currently exists in The Forum, but there are talks of another large national chain joining the centre, which Mr Farid has not confirmed the identity of. The retailer is set to take on the largest unit of the complex, that was once the site of Tesco, Somerfield, and most recently Poundstretcher. This will be in unit number 19, which has been empty since 2022. In addition, an independent store called Julian's Pie and Mash is due to open in the coming months. Mr Farid also revealed Vanguard's plan to build 74 flats on the roof of the site, that will also help boost footfall. The redevelopment is expected to cost between £6 million to £7 million, and several years to complete. Its building will be done by 35-year-old Farid's company, Imperium Engineering, which he decided to take on due to The Forum's "iconic location". The shopping centre is located in a prime spot for the town, right across from the rail station with an entrance onto the High Street. Vanguard are planning to submit its proposals to Swale Council this week. The revitalised shopping centre comes nearby a new 24/7 gym, an eight-screen cinema and leisure centre complex known as The Light, a Travelodge hotel and a series of restaurants, that were introduced last year. The Forum first opened in 1989, and was owned by Tesco between 2008 and 2019, until it was bought by Praxis for more than £7 million before being sold to Vanguard.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This $10 Million San Francisco Penthouse Has Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz
Price differential aside, to really appreciate San Francisco's landmarks, you might just be better off buying this penthouse than taking a double-decker bus tour. The top-floor perch at the Royal Towers in Russian Hill has hit the market for $10 million. The modern abode, designed by Napa Valley's Erin Martin, is a sleek home base in one of California's most picturesque cities. From the 29th floor, you'll have unobstructed views from the downtown skyline to Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge. James Nunemacher at Vanguard Properties holds the listing. More from Robb Report One of America's Best Rye Distilleries Just Dropped a New Cask-Strength Whiskey Costa Rica's Most Expensive Home Is This $30 Million Mansion Overlooking the Gulf of Papaguyo Renault's New 'Mini-Supercar' Will Be Its Most Expensive Car Ever The two-bedroom, 2.5-bath unit encompasses 3,640 square feet on the uppermost floor of the William Turnbull Architects–designed building. The sweeping main room sports handcrafted woodwork, steel-trimmed aluminum ceiling panels, and artisanal plaster walls. In the living room, you can cozy up by the oversized fireplace that features a textured tile, while the dining area is capped by a circular ceiling feature. The chef's kitchen, meanwhile, is decked out with Fisher & Paykel appliances, custom poured-concrete counters, and multiple pantries. In the serene primary bedroom, the calming monochromatic vibe continues with a discreet ceiling-mounted TV. Dual sinks made of artisan-fabricated concrete anchor the primary bathroom, which also comes equipped with a soaking tub. Three private terraces wrap around the penthouse, offering expansive views of the surrounding city. The Royal Towers includes a host of amenities that include 24-hour door service, a conference center, and a rooftop pool contained in a glass structure. The penthouse comes with three parking spaces and extra storage as well. As far as San Francisco penthouses go, this one may actually be a pretty great deal. Other recent offerings to hit the market recently have asking prices way above $10 million: The Grand Penthouse at 181 Fremont was listed earlier this month for $35 million, far less than the $46 million price tag it carried when it soft-launched back in 2019. And in October, a duplex penthouse at the Pacific in Pacific Heights popped up at $30 million, though the price has since been reduced quite a bit, to $24.8 of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
