Latest news with #propertydevelopment
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
'Tipp-Ex divorcee' is locked in High Court libel fight with property developer over his plans for housing in grounds of her £6.75m castle
A castle owner known as the 'Tipp-Ex divorcee' is locked in a High Court libel battle with a tycoon who wants to develop housing in the grounds of her £6.75million home. Sally Nightingale, 66, who took over the 900-year-old Cumbrian estate after her high-profile 2009 split from millionaire lawyer Christopher Nightingale, is being sued for libel over a letter she sent to planning officials. She was dubbed the 'Tipp-Ex divorcee' after her lawyers accused her former husband of doctoring bank statements with correction fluid. The former fashion consultant has described the property as a 'poisoned chalice' but went on to spend years renovating the estate, which now houses a museum, hotel and wedding venue. She is now locked in a court battle after a Grade-I I-listed former stable block in the grounds of the castle was bought by property developer James Carlton, through his company last year. Mr Carlton claims that she tried to frustrate his plans to convert the stables into housing by writing a libellous letter to the local council's planning department about work there. The developer says the letter implies that he committed a criminal offence in removing historic flagstones from the grounds of the stables and that it has ruined his reputation. His lawyers say he 'has been seriously injured in his reputation and has been brought into public scandal, odium and contempt'. However, Ms Nightingale, 66, is fighting the libel claim, denying that she damaged Mr Carlton's reputation and claiming that she was only doing her duty by bringing to the council's attention elements of the work on the property. Ms Nightingale, who married her lawyer husband Christopher in 1984 and lived in Hong Kong and Singapore, before moving to Appleby Castle in the late 1990s. They were married for 24 years and had three children, and at one point owned three castles. However, in 2009 their marriage ended after Christopher left Sally for another woman, reported to be a Moroccan pole dancer, Massahine Bojji. As a result, Ms Nightingale was given the keys to Appleby, which boasts 22 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms, two great halls and a 15th-century dining room, while operating as a hotel and museum. She went on to renovate and the house is now for sale for £6.75million. On top of getting the castle, Christopher also agreed to hand over a quarter of his holding in a company he helped to found – a stake she said she was told would be worth about £1.5million. To her surprise, Christopher only gave her £83 after claiming the sale of his shares only sold for £330. In the same year he got divorced, Mr Nightingale, pictured, gave Miss Bojji shares in his company, which worth said to be worth around £252,000 at the time But Sally's lawyers fought back, arguing that his bank statements show he actually received £6million from the sale, despite his attempt to use correction fluid on the statements to obscure the crucial deposits. In the same year he got divorced, Mr Nightingale gave Miss Bojji shares in his company, which worth said to be worth around £252,000 at the time. The Nightingales ended up agreeing to a confidential out-of-court settlement after five hours of private negotiations. But she is now set for a court battle after property developer Mr Carlton filed his libel claim, seeking up to £10,000 damages at the High Court against her. In claim documents, his lawyers describe him as a 'prolific and experienced property developer' who operates through his company, Chancellor Developments Limited, which last year acquired a Grade-I listed property known as 'The Stable Block' within the castle grounds. James Carlton, through his company Chancellor Developments Ltd, submitted a planning application to Westmorland & Furness Council for major works on the historic stable block. His solicitor, Williams Jones, said the proposals include 'the restoration of decayed external and internal fabric, finishes, and service installations,' along with the renovation of three existing vacant dwellings and the conversion of former single-storey stables into four new homes. The plans also seek listed building consent for alterations and possible demolition within the protected site. According to Mr Carlton's solicitor, Williams Jones, the libel claim centres on a submission Ms Nightingale made to the council last December, in which she wrote: 'The new owner, seemingly unaware of the significance of these materials, removed the pile of historic flagstones from the site. This action resulted in the irreversible loss of another vital aspect of the stable block's authentic historical fabric.' Mr Jones argues that the statement implied Mr Carlton had carried out unauthorised works that harmed the architectural and historical integrity of the listed building. He said the comments, published on the council's planning portal, were potentially 'extremely damaging' and could influence the outcome of the planning application. In her defence, Ms Nightingale denies the letter was an 'objection' to the planning application, claiming it simply outlined concerns she believed the council should consider. She also rejects the claim that her words were defamatory, arguing they did not suggest Mr Carlton or his company had personally carried out any work that damaged the property's historic character. She also claims that what she wrote was her 'honest opinion' about 'extensive work' carried out by the previous owner of the property, not Mr Carlton or his company. Mr Carlton's libel claim was filed in May, with Ms Nightingale's defence following last month, but the case has not yet appeared before a judge in court. It will be listed at the High Court at a later date, unless settled by negotiation.
BBC News
13 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Poole Civic Centre to be sold for £5.25m to developers
A former civic centre will be sold for £5.25m to developers. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has approved the sale of the vacant former Borough of Poole site, which the authority said was costing £228,000 a year to maintain. The Grade II listed building was constructed in 1932 but has been empty since 2022 after BCP Council's formation three years Council's deputy leader Mike Cox said the authority felt there were "no alternatives" but to sell the site, which will be taken over by Manchester-based MCR Property Group. It had been marketed for offers between February and May and the council said it would now be used for MP Neil Duncan-Jordan said he opposed the plan to sell the building in the said in October that it could be used for the community, such as for a business development hub or social or key worker a statement, Cox said of the sale: "This marks a really significant step forward - not just for the site itself but for Poole and our residents more widely."We're committed to being ambitious for our three towns and this sale will unlock the redevelopment of a site that has been laying empty for years." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
TownX launches new $180mln residential project in Dubai
TownX, a UAE-based real estate developer, has announced the launch of its new residential project, Ashley Hills, in Dubai. Located on one of Arjan's largest land plots, the AED662 million ($180 million) development covers over 400,000 sq ft of sellable area and is set to be a key addition to the Dubai real estate market. According to TownX, Ashley Hills will feature 616 residential units designed to cater to families and investors looking for quality living spaces. It offers a variety of apartment types, each designed with spacious interiors and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers. Situated in one of Dubai's rapidly developing districts, Arjan offers strong connectivity to major roads, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The area's growing infrastructure, which includes schools, retail centres, parks, and recreational facilities, makes it an ideal location for residents seeking convenience and lifestyle, said the developer. Haider Abduljabbar, the Executive Director of TownX, said: "The launch of Ashley Hills represents our ongoing commitment to developing high-quality, accessible communities in emerging neighbourhoods like Arjan. With its strategic location and focus on modern design and sustainable building practices, this project will offer a solid investment opportunity while meeting the growing demand for residential options in this area." The Emirati developer is offering two flexible payment plans to make purchasing more accessible - a 40/60 payment plan, with 40% due during construction and 60% upon handover; and a 70/30 payment plan, with 70% due during construction and 30% at handover. Since its inception in 2017, TownX said it has focused on delivering projects ahead of schedule and with attention to detail. "With over 1,774 units delivered and 2,125 apartments currently in development, the company continues to expand its footprint in Dubai's real estate market. Ashley Hills is another milestone in TownX's efforts to create residential communities that meet the needs of modern families while delivering long-term value," stated Abduljabbar. Other key developments delivered by TownX include Easy18, Easy19, Luma21 and Luma22 in JVC. Ongoing projects include 11 Hills Park at Dubai Science Park and Luma Park Views in JVC, he added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Frasers Property-Sekisui House sells 41% of units at The Robertson Opus at an average price of $3,360 psf
Crows at preview of The Robertson Opus (Photo: Frasers Property/Sekisui House) Over the weekend of July 19–20, Singapore-listed Frasers Property and Japanese developer Sekisui House launched The Robertson Opus for sale. By 6pm on Sunday, July 20, 143 units — or 41% of the 348-unit development — had been sold at an average price of $3,360 psf. 'The robust sales performance at The Robertson Opus is a testament to the project's outstanding design, quality, and prime location, and reflects strong demand for luxury homes in Singapore's city centre,' says Toru Ishii, director of the board of Sekisui House, in a joint statement by the partners. Located in prime District 9, The Robertson Opus is a redevelopment of the former Fraser Place at Robertson Walk. The 999-year leasehold project is part of a mixed-use development that includes a retail podium with a sunken courtyard and 26 units housing a curated mix of fine dining restaurants, cafés, and lifestyle concepts. Get the latest details on available units and prices for The Robertson Opus "The project's rare 999-year tenure, prestigious District 9 address, and sophisticated riverside lifestyle make it a compelling choice for discerning buyers seeking long-term value and generational wealth," says Soon Su Lin, CEO of Frasers Property. The 348-unit The Robertson Opus sits on top of a retail podium with 26 F&B and retail units (Artist's impression: Frasers Property and Sekisui House) The residential component comprises five 10-storey blocks arranged around a landscaped central courtyard. Units sold ranged from $1.369 million for a 431 sq ft suite to $5.39 million for a 1,539 sq ft four-bedroom premium unit. On a psf basis, prices ranged from $3,149 to $3,585. According to Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, The Robertson Opus is the only 999-year leasehold project launched in the Core Central Region (CCR) this year. Yip highlights the project's location near the Singapore River and Clarke Quay, as well as its accessibility — Fort Canning MRT Station on the Downtown Line is less than a five-minute walk away. River Valley Primary School is also within a 1km radius. Kelvin Fong, CEO of PropNex Realty attributes the healthy sales at The Robertson Opus to 'the vibrancy and convenience of a mixed-use development, where residents are co-located with retail and F&B options'. Showflat of a three-bedroom premium unit where 26 out of 27 units have been taken up (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore) Owner-occupier demand, long-term investment Of the 27 three-bedroom premium units, 26 were sold at prices ranging from $3.699 million to $4.039 million ($3,211 to $3,506 psf). Eight of the nine four-bedroom premium units were also taken up, at prices between $5.15 million and $5.39 million ($3,346 to $3,502 psf). These units form part of the Legacy Collection, which is now nearly sold out — underscoring strong demand for larger, premium homes, says the joint developers. Read also: The Robertson Opus draws over 3,000 visitors during first preview weekend Two- and two-bedroom plus study units accounted for about 45% of total sales, with prices from $2.17 million to $2.63 million ($3,149 to $3,540 psf). Three-bedroom units, including the premium types, made up nearly 39% of take-up, priced between $3.1 million and $4.039 million ($3,079 to $3,506 psf). Together, these unit types comprised approximately 83% of all units sold. Frasers Property notes that around 83% of buyers are Singaporeans, 16% are Permanent Residents — primarily from China and Indonesia — and the remaining 1% are foreigners from the USA and Switzerland. 'The buyers comprise affluent professionals purchasing for their own stay or investment,' says Soon. Limited supply in the Robertson Quay subzone The last freehold or 999-year leasehold project launched in the area was the 376-unit freehold The Avenir over five years ago. The luxury development, by a joint venture between Hong Leong Holdings, GuocoLand, and Hong Realty, was launched in January 2020 and completed last year. Based on 11 caveats lodged in 2025 to date, the average transacted price was $3,423 psf. Latest transactions at The Avenir Source: EdgeProp Buddy Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA Singapore, estimates that there are fewer than 5,000 non-landed private homes in the Robertson Quay subzone. 'Currently, there are no other new projects with similar features in the pipeline,' he says. 'This supply limitation, coupled with sustained demand for central living, makes The Robertson Opus a compelling mid- to long-term investment.' Upcoming launches in prime areas Two other prime projects were also previewed over the same weekend: the 524-unit River Green by Wing Tai Holdings at River Valley Green in prime District 9, and the 596-unit Promenade Peak by Allgreen Properties in District 3. While River Green falls within the Core Central Region (CCR), its proximity to Promenade Peak — technically in the Rest of Central Region (RCR) — blurs the lines between the two regions, notes Ken Low, managing partner of SRI. Read also: Frasers Property to preview 999-year leasehold The Robertson Opus at prices starting from $3,150 psf 'In this tightly held enclave near Great World MRT, where new supply is limited and competition is rare, such simultaneous launches offer a rare window for buyers to assess, compare, and act,' he says. Price points have also drawn interest. Promenade Peak is priced from around $2,680 psf, while River Green starts from $2,846 psf — positioning both as compelling options, adds Low. 'The robust turnout at both previews bodes well for their official launch on August 2, signalling positive momentum and healthy buyer appetite,' Low observes. Source: PropNex Research, URA (Q2 2025 as per monthly developers' sales data) 'This weekend's CCR sales are very encouraging and send a positive signal for this sub-market, especially with more CCR launches coming up,' says PropNex's Fong. Check out the latest listings for The Robertson Opus properties See Also: Singapore Property for Sale & Rent, Latest Property News, Advanced Analytics Tools New Launch Condo & Landed Property in Singapore (COMPLETE list & updates) The Robertson Opus draws over 3,000 visitors during first preview weekend Frasers Property to preview 999-year leasehold The Robertson Opus at prices starting from $3,150 psf Frasers Property, Sekisui House and CSC Land JV submits top bid of $1,410 psf ppr for Dunearn GLS site En Bloc Calculator, Find Out If Your Condo Will Be The Next en-bloc HDB Resale Flats Up For Sale, Affordable Units Available
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Clowes starts building new trade units at Stud Brook Business Park
Clowes Developments, a UK-based property investment and development company, has begun construction on new trade counter units at Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington, England. Partnering with Roe Developments, the company is advancing the next phase of the business park after securing approval from North West Leicestershire District Council. This new phase involves the development of five trade counters, a warehouse, and industrial units, each ranging from 3,229ft² to 4,606ft². To be located on Plot 1 of the business park, the new units will be constructed around an operational Starbucks Drive-Thru and situated near a recently opened Sainsbury's Local. According to Clowes Developments, the site provides direct access via the Castle Donington bypass and offers significant parking facilities, making it a desirable site for potential tenants. This development is part of a broader strategic plan aimed at expanding the park to cater mainly to trade counter operators. Roe Developments is overseeing the construction as the main contractor, working under a 30-week programme. The completion and handover of these units are anticipated around late 2025, with tenants expected to begin operations in early 2026. Clowes Developments development director James Richards said: 'The development has seen strong demand from trade operators since its launch, and Plot 1 represents a key opportunity to build on that momentum. 'With its prime location and excellent amenities, this phase is set to attract high-quality occupiers. Our ongoing collaboration with IMA Architects and local stakeholders ensures the scheme supports both commercial needs and the broader Castle Donington community.' Last month, Clowes Developments announced that phase one of Stud Brook Business Park had achieved practical completion. The initial phase featured industrial and distribution units ranging from 8,500ft² to 30,000ft². The first-phase units have been handed over to various industry players, including Argon Medical and Bucher Municipal, who are completing their fit-outs with the aim of becoming fully operational by mid-2025. "Clowes starts building new trade units at Stud Brook Business Park" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
