Ashfield’s rock-solid reliability is the foundation for success - Ashfield Group

Ashfield’s management visited a new build project which we recently completed in Leeds and we were delighted to see a range of spacious family homes looking so impressive at Roxholme Court.

Comprising five properties in total, the development in Chapel Allerton has been built on behalf of Saltaire-based Robinson Developments Limited. Seeing the fine work carried out by our site team prompted a reflection of the outstanding effort that they have put in to keep the construction schedule on track, overcoming some unforeseen delays which would have thrown less dedicated and skilled contractors off course.

During site preparation at Roxholme Court, Ashfield discovered a major obstruction to progress: a layer of solid rock was revealed within the land below Plot 3, making traditional foundation work impossible. It was a problem with no easy answers and the phrase ‘caught between a rock and a hard place’ seemed grimly appropriate! However, Ashfield pride ourselves on our ability to surmount the toughest obstacles. We reacted quickly and developed a solution which allowed the necessary foundation work to be completed. Firstly, we created a crushed stone base which was levelled across and topped with a Polythene layer. We then built a concrete raft (pictured below left) which followed the property’s footprint, providing the platform to proceed with the construction of Plot 3.

The Plot 3 rock wasn’t the only civil engineering challenge involved in the project: Ashfield were also required to oversee a number of others which were already known prior to commencing on site. As part of a comprehensive development brief, we carried out the demolition of an existing detached dwelling and the careful removal of ground near an existing retaining wall. The latter was required in conjunction with the construction of structural support (pictured below right) to prevent the potential subsidence of the wall.

Overseen by Site Manager Andrew Wood, the team completed the site preparation, groundworks and wall reinforcements with their customary expertise and attention to detail. The Plot 3 issue was identified and addressed soon afterwards, clearing the way for the installation of drainage and the construction of five properties comprising a mixture of detached and semi-detached styles. Designed by Saltaire-based architects, Riverside Design Studio, the homes offer a choice of three and four bedroom living featuring an advanced interior specification. The exteriors combine brick and render in keeping with the appearance of the surrounding properties.

The properties incorporate beautifully appointed contemporary bathrooms with heated towel rails and kitchens featuring a full range of superior worktops, units and fittings, including NEFF appliances. Andrew and the team have maintained their exceptionally high standards in applying the finishing touches. Each home includes high quality floorcoverings throughout and stylish features such as vintage-style column radiators which combine classic looks with modern energy efficiency. The homes provide sophisticated contemporary living in keeping with their location, a suburb often referred to as the ‘Notting Hill of the North.’ Roxholme Court is an attractive prospect for Leeds homebuyers and it comes as no surprise to see that the development has already sold out.

Ashfield can certainly add this prestigious development to the long list of projects which we have successfully completed on time and within budget. We can also hold it up as a prime example of Ashfield’s rock-solid reliability.