Westrock has appointed Shaylor Group as main contractor to deliver homes designed specifically for rent in Bedford.
The former Merton Centre office building in central Bedford is being revamped to appeal to an emerging crowd of professional renters. It will boast high-tech fittings, such as smart meters to help tenants save money, as well as communal areas to encourage residents to get to know one another and stay for the long term.
Westrock’s 157-flat scheme in Bedford is thought to be the first in the town designed specifically for rent. It aims to appeal to professionals with major employers such as Sainsbury’s (which has a major distribution centre nearby) and Unilever (which has large research centres locally) likely targets.
The contractor has commenced work refurbishing the former office block by adding new roofing, improving the façade and remodelling the interiors. The first residents will be able to move in the early summer.
Matt Willcock, head of development at Westrock, said: “The converted Merton Centre will offer some of the best accommodation in Bedford and we’re delighted to have one of the country’s best up-and-coming contractors helping us deliver the scheme.”
Lana Shaylor, regional manager at Shaylor Group, said: “Shaylor Group and the Merton team are delighted to be applying their residential expertise to aid the regeneration of the Merton Centre. We are committed to building long-term relationships with the communities in which we work and are excited to play a part in enhancing the local area by providing outstanding quality homes.”
Private renting is the fastest growing tenure of housing in England with over nine million renters nationally.
Westrock has a pipeline of more than 1,400 homes for rent, with five schemes set to be completed this year.
