Your Move 438

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YOURMOVEMAGAZINE.COM / ISSUE 438 / 5 MAY – 18 MAY 2017 / FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

INSIDE

INTERVIEW: DAME JACQUELINE WILSON BOOST YOUR WELLBEING ENJOY THE OUTDOORS PHO REVIEW

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LS A O G S POOL’

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EDITOR’S LETTER With billions of pounds of investment lined up to transform the likes of the northern docklands and the Knowledge Quarter, Liverpool has huge growth in its sights.

But as more graduates are encouraged to stay beyond university and the city reaches out to businesses with an interest in setting up a base here, how prepared is Liverpool’s housing stock to accommodate this?

Our Hot Topic looks at how the area is meeting the residential needs of professionals and boosting its offering of aspirational homes.

Plus hit children’s author, Dame Jacqueline Wilson chats to Your Move ahead of her visit to Liverpool and we round up the top ways to boost your wellbeing.

CONTENTS LIVERPOOL’S GUIDE TO PROPERTY & CULTURE YOURMOVEMAGAZINE COM

NATASHA YOUNG Editor

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yourmovemagazine YOUR MOVE HQ 36 Henry Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 5BS Email: post@movepublishing.co.uk Telephone: 0151 709 3871 Fax: 0151 707 1678 www.yourmovemagazine.com EDITORIAL & DESIGN PRODUCTION Editor: Natasha Young Email: natasha@movepublishing.co.uk Editorial: Lawrence Saunders, Mark Langshaw, Matthew Smith, Lydia Connolly Design: Mark Iddon Email: post@movepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING Media sales: Catherine McCarthy, Natalie Holden, Rachael Clark Sales enquiries: 0151 709 3871 DIRECTORS David O’Brien, Kim O’Brien, Fiona Barnet

39 45

PRINTING & DISTRIBUTION Printing by: Precision Colour Printers Ltd Subscription & mailing list: 0151 709 3871 Distribution Liaison Manager: Barbara Troughton Telephone: 0151 733 5492 Mobile: 077148 14662 Copyright Move Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Move Publishing can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of the publisher.

The cancellation deadline for advertising is strictly one week before publication and must be in writing to the sales manager.

06 Market Highlights Liverpool City Region homes with stunning outdoor spaces 25 News Parklands lines up weekend of giveaways and advice

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

Move Publishing is committed to recycling.

30 ON THE COVER Hot Topic The importance of homes as Liverpool strives to achieve its full potential

LIVING 36 Talent in the City Children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson talks TV and literary success 39 Interiors Make the most of the summer with accessories for your garden or terrace 42 State of Mind Ways to boost your wellbeing in Liverpool 45 Food & Drink Our reviewer gives Vietnamese eatery Pho a go 46 Streetlife What’s on around the city

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MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

Rooftop retreat

£335,000

Hatton Garden, Liverpool, L3 This three-bedroom luxury duplex apartment combines the benefits of city centre living with outdoor space, as it boasts a stunning terrace among its features.

An artificial lawn provides a vibrant base for the external area, which is large enough to accommodate seating and plant pots of natural greenery.

It also benefits from lighting, making it the ideal place to make the most of warm evenings away from the nearby hustle and bustle.

CITY RESIDENTIAL /

All decked out

£170,000

(Offers in excess of)

Oak Grange, Halewood, L26 There’s something for everyone in the immaculately presented garden of this threebedroom family home.

A spacious decked platform provides plenty of space for outdoor furniture, enabling residents to sit back and soak up the summer or entertain guests under the sun.

The rest of the garden is low maintenance without compromising on beauty, as an artificial lawn looks green and pristine all year round and decorative borders make way for a small number of colourful blooms.

SUTTON KERSH /

A breath of

FRESH AIR

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Turfed triumph

£179,995

Broad Lane, Norris Green, L11 A large, already turfed rear garden expands the living space to the outdoors at Parklands’ ‘The Maple’ style home.

Accompanying the new-build three-bedroom property, the sprawling garden is a perfect spot for barbecues with guests or relaxing with the family during the warmer months of the year.

Tall wooden fences surround the simple yet stunning space, providing privacy for residents.

PARKLANDS /

Patio perfection

£375,000 (Offers over)

Greenhill Avenue, Calderstones, L18 A paved patio area, brick wall surroundings and mature shrub borders give this landscaped rear garden bags of character.

Its small central plot of grass is easy to maintain and adds to the beautiful garden’s strong natural qualities.

Plus a water feature and gated access to the side are among the other features of the space, which accompanies a five-bedroom semidetached home.

ABODE /

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Advertising feature

www.abode-group.co.uk

news

issue 44 / May 2017

BEST AGENT 3 YEARS RUNNING Why would you need anyone else?

2014

2015

2016

open 7 days a week finding houses, delivering homes

Allerton: 0151 601 3003 Crosby: 0151 909 3003

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www.abode-group.co.uk

AR ST UY B

Burns Close, Childwall, L16

£290,000

Hillview Gardens, Woolton, L25

Offers Over £340,000

• Extended Detached Property • Four Bedrooms • Popular Location • Well Presented Throughout

• Four Bedroom Detached • Stunning Throughout • Cul-De-Sac Location • Must See

Mather Avenue, Allerton, L18

Offers Over £415,000

Stonehaven Close, Childwall, L16

Allangate Road, West Allerton, L19

£265,000

Offers Over £165,000

Wellington Grove, Roby, L36

finding houses, delivering homes

APPROX PRICE

£135,000

• New Build Development • Three Bedrooms • Spacious Throughout • Help To Buy Available

AR ST UY B

• Unique Detached Property • Three Bedrooms • Gated Access • New Build Development

Queens Drive, Stoneycroft, L13

Offers Over £80,000

W NE ICE PR

LP Y HE BU TO

• Superbly Presented Throughout • Highly Sought After L16 Cul-de-sac • Three Bedroom Semi-Detached Property • Spacious Lounge & Kitchen/Breakfast Room

Sunningdale Road, Wavertree, L15 • Two Bedrooms • Mid Terrace • Popular Location • Must See

• Three Bedroom Extended Semi Detached • Not Overlooked • Off Road Parking And Garage • Must See

R DE ER N U FF O

£440,000

R DE R UN FFE O

R DE R UN FFE O

• Highly Sought After L18 Location • Close Proximity to Calderstones Park • 4 Bedroom Detached Family Home • Superbly Presented Throughout

Queens Drive, Mossley Hill, L18 • 6 Bedroom Semi Detached • 4 Reception Rooms • Ground Floor Bathroom • Good Size Bedrooms

Soarer Cottages, Gateacre, L25

Offers Over £225,000

• Two Bedroom • Grade II Listed Cottage • Renovated Throughout • No Chain

W NE ICE PR

£260,000

Thingwall Road, Wavertree, L15 • Three Bedrooms • Extended Semi Detached • Popular Location • NO CHAIN

open 7 days a week

Offers Over £260,000

Booker Avenue, Calderstones, L18

Offers Over £360,000

• Three Bedroom Semi Detached • Generous Plot • Popular Location • Must See

Allerton: 0151 601 3003

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www.abode-group.co.uk R DE R UN FFE O

Burgundy Close, Aigburth, L17

Offers Over £340,000

• Four Bedroom Detached • Garage & Off Road Parking • Cul De Sac Location • Must See

Woolton Road, Woolton, L25

W NE ICE PR

Offers Over £360,000

Ullet Road, Aigburth, L17

Offers Over £195,000

• Outstanding 2 Bedroom Duplex Apartment • Grade II Listed Character Building • Balcony with Views Over Sefton Park • Open Plan Lounge/Dining Room

• Four Bedroom Extended Semi Detached • Open Plan Kitchen • Popular Location • Must See

R DE R UN FFE O

Calderstones Road, Calderstones, L18

£325,000

Booker Avenue, Calderstones, L18

Offers Over £390,000

Beech Road, Huyton, L36

Offers Over £120,000

• Two Bedroom Extended • Terrace Cottage • Open Plan Kitchen • Must See

• Four Bedroom Semi Detached Property • South Facing Garden • Popular Location • No Chain

• Four Bedroom Semi Detached Property • A Stone's Throw From Calderstones Park • Three Reception Rooms • Sought After Location

W NE ICE PR

Irene Road, Childwall, L16

Offers Over £235,000 Waterloo Quay, City Centre, L3

• Three Bedroom Semi Detached • Modern Kitchen • Modern Bathroom • Sought After Location

R DE R UN FFE O

Cooper Avenue North, Mossley Hill, L18 • Three Bedroom Semi Detached • Popular Location • Well Presented Throughout • Must See

finding houses, delivering homes

• • • •

Offers Over £185,000

Stunning River Views Across Two Bedroom Second Floor Apartment Modern Family Bathroom & Fitted Kitchen En Suite Shower Room

• Four Bedrooms • Mid Terrace • Immaculate Throughout • Must See

open 7 days a week

Offers Over £400,000

R DE R UN FFE O

R DE R UN FFE O

£290,000 Wyndcote Road, Allerton, L18

Marlcroft Drive, Aigburth, L17 • Four Bedroom Detached Property • Stunning Throughout • Good Spacious Living • Must See

£280,000

Blythswood Street, Aigburth, L17 • Three Bedroom Character Terrace • Close Proximity to Sefton Park • Open Plan Lounge & Dining Room • Must See

Allerton: 0151 601 3003

£170,000

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www.abode-group.co.uk

W NE

Park Avenue, Crosby L23

£500,000

LD SO

Princes Avenue, Crosby L23

Brentwood Avenue, Crosby L23

£345,000

• Superbly Presented Throughout • Five Bedrooms • Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Room • South Facing Rear Garden

• Beautifully presented detached family home • Four double bedrooms • En suite shower room • Gardens front, side and rear

• Stunning Edwardian Property • Four Bedrooms • Semi-Detached • Highly Sought After Location

Manor Road, L23

Offers Over £290,000

• Extended Semi-Detached • Three Bedrooms • Highly Sought After Location • Three Reception Rooms

Regent Road, Crosby L23

Offers Over £265,000

• Beautiful family home • Five bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Sunny rear garden

D CE U D RE

Marchmont Drive, Crosby L23

Offers Over £330,000

ED UC D RE

W NE

Offers over £290,000

Blundell Road, Hightown L38 • Extended Semi-Detached Property • Five Double Bedrooms • Two Spacious Reception Rooms • Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Room

D CE U D RE

Offers Over £245,000 Holgate Park, Thornton, L23

• Beautifully Presented • Highly Sought After Location • Two Receptions • Modern Kitchen

W NE

Galloway Road, Waterloo L22 • Semi-Detached • Five Bedrooms • Full Of Character • A Must View

finding houses, delivering homes

£240,000

• NO CHAIN • Three Bedrooms • Sweeping Driveway • Single Garage

• Stunning Throughout • Three Bedrooms • Original Features • A Must View

open 7 days a week

Offers Over £230,000

• No Chain • Three Bedrooms • Detached Property • Massive Potential

ED UC D RE

W NE

£230,000 St Lukes Road, L23, Crosby

Moorgate Avenue, Crosby L23

Offers Over £185,000

Parkfield Road, Waterloo L22

Offers Over £175,000

• Four Bedrooms • Modern Kitchen Opening Onto Dining/Family Room • Lounge • Period Features

Crosby: 0151 909 3003

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www.abode-group.co.uk

£175,000 Middleton Road, L22

Runnells Lane, Thornton L23

Offers Over £155,000

LD SO

Offers Over £150,000

Offers Over £145,000 Hamilton Court, Blundellsands, L23

Silverdale Drive, Litherland L21

Offers Over £145,000

• NO CHAIN • Three Bedrooms • Good sized garden • Viewing Recommended

W NE

W NE

• Three Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Good Sized Rear Sunny Garden • Beautifully Decorated

£140,000

Derwent Road, Crosby L23

£135,000

• No Chain • Three Bedrooms • Two Receptions • Kitchen/Breakfast Room

• Spacious apartment • Desirable location • Two double bedroom • Modern kitchen/dining room

D CE U D RE

LD O S

Brunswick Parade, Waterloo L22

Sunnyside Road, Crosby L23

£157,500

LD SO

• No Chain, Three Bedroom Semi-Detached Property • Two Spacious Reception Rooms • Open Plan Living • Fitted Kitchen & Modern Family Bathroom

• Newly Renovated Throughout • Highly Sought After Location • Three Bedrooms • No Chain

Shropshire Close, Netherton L30 • Three Bedrooms • Beautifully Presented • Good sized lounge • Quiet cul de sac location

ED UC D RE

W NE

Vermont Avenue, Crosby L23

Offers Over £170,000

• Highly Sought After Location • Three Bedroom Semi-Detached • Superbly Presented Throughout • Modern Kitchen & Bathroom

• No Chain • Two double bedrooms • Modern kitchen • Good sized garden

Royton Road, Waterloo, L22

D CE U D RE

W NE

W NE

Offers Over £125,000 Brookside Court, Endbutt Lane, Crosby L23 Offers Over £115,000

• No Chain • Two Double Bedrooms • Contemporary Bathroom • Modern Kitchen

finding houses, delivering homes

• No Chain • Garage • Beautifully Presented • Modern Kitchen

open 7 days a week

Jubilee Road, Crosby, L23

Offers Over £115,000

• NO CHAIN • Two Bedrooms • Close to all amenities • Viewing Recommended

Crosby: 0151 909 3003

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Call our sales team

0151 236 9660 property@keppiemassie.com

RESIDENTIAL

@keppiemassie

Sales Church Road, Roby, L36 £475,000 • • • • • •

Birkdale, Southport Guide Price £575,000

17 Bedroom Victorian Semi Detached Previously Ex Care Home Internal lift Numerous rooms/offices Substantial gardens and parking Great residential location

Lunt Farm, Lunt Lane, L29 Guide Price £595,000 • • • • • •

Fantastic Development Opportunity With planning permission in place 4 Bed Detached Farmhouse With additional outbuildings Nearly 1 Acre of Land Superb Country Views

INDIVIDUALLY ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNED RESIDENCE - A rare opportunity to purchase a landmark property in sought after village of Birkdale, with famous Royal Birkdale Golf Club and close to the historic town of Southport.

This stunning property nestles on a mature plot with spacious accommodation on several levels to briefly comprise four double bedrooms, five bathrooms and four reception rooms, fitted kitchen and utility, fabulous swimming pool suite. Viewing of this delightful property is strictly by appointment only through Keppie Massie Residential and is highly recommended for the discerning purchaser. Offered with no onward chain.

Ullet Road, L19 £420,000

The Colonnades, L3 £395,000

Waterloo Warehouse, L3 £225,000

Unity Building, L3 £179,950

• Architecturally Designed House • Seven Bedrooms, Parking • Two Bathrooms, Two En-suites • Double Glazed, Juliet Balcony • Generates a High Yield

• Dual Aspect Two Bed Apartment • Historical Albert Dock Complex • Family Bathroom and En-suite • Secure Parking/ Store Room • 24 hour Concierge

• Duplex two bed apartment • Historic Waterloo Warehouse • Recent refurb/new fittings • Two new bathrooms • New fitted kitchen/parking

• Executive Duplex Apartment • In Business Sector of City • Two Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms • Great Views of River • Secure Parking, 24 hr concierge

Portside House, L1 £144,950

Park Lane Plaza, L1 £139,950

The Atrium, L3 £114,000

Richmond Park, L6 £69,950

• Popular Two Bed Apartment • Double Glazed, Balcony • Kitchen, Lounge/Dining Area • Attractive Communal Atrium • Prime ‘Buy to let’

• Two Bed Apartment • Convenient Location by • L1 and Baltic Triangle • Modern Fittings • Balcony, Secure Parking

• Spacious Two Bed Apartment • Bathroom and En-suite • Double Glazed, Balcony • Superb location, close to • Hospital, Uni and Station

• Three Bed Mid Terraced • Two Separate Reception Rooms • Gas Central Heating, DG • Modern Fittings • Good Residential Location

p01-20_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:17 Page 15

Call our Lettings team

0151 236 9660 property@keppiemassie.com

@keppiemassie

Lettings Waterloo Warehouse, L3 £1100pcm • • • • •

West Quay, L3 £1100pcm

2 Bedrooms Furnished 3rd Floor No parking EPC C

The Reach, L3 £750pcm • • • • •

2 Bedrooms Furnished 4th Floor Parking EPC C

• 2 Bedrooms • Furnished • 3rd Floor • Parking • EPC D

Unity Building, L3 From £725 - £1050pcm

• Ranges : 1 and 2 Bedrooms • Furnished & Unfurnished available • 3rd Floor, 7th Floor, 10th Floor • Parking Available • EPC C/D

The Courtyard, L18 £1000pcm

• 2 Bedroom • Flexi Furnishings • Ground Floor • Off Road Parking • EPC C

One Park West, L3 £725pcm

• 1 Bedroom • Furnished • 9th Floor • No Parking • EPC C

Canning Street, L8 £675pcm

• 2 Bedrooms • Furnished • 3rd Floor • Parking • EPC B

Alexandra Tower, L3 £675pcm

Tower Building , L3 £660pcm

Grassendale Road, L18 £500pcm

Acorn Court, L8 £450pcm

• 1 Bedroom • Furnished • 11th Floor • No Parking • EPC B

• 1 Double Bedroom • Furnished • 5th Floor • No Parking • EPC D

• 1 Bedroom • Unfurnished • On Street Parking • EPC D

• 1 Bedroom Semi-detached House • Part Furnished • Off Street Parking • EPC C

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0151 231 6100 sales@cityresidential.co.uk lettings@cityresidential.co.uk

SALES

LETTINGS

STUDENT

£145,000 One Park West

£210,000 The Albany

Well Presented One Bedroom Apartment Allocated Car Parking EPC - B

An attractively presented one bedroom apartment located in the landmark building One Park West which is situated in a prime position in the heart of Liverpool ONE.

Impressive Two Bedroom Apartment Features Including Exposed Brick Ceilings Secure Car Parking EPC - E

£90,000

£64,950

Brimming with period charm and character, this impressive property is simply outstanding. If you are looking for a home that is unparalleled, unique and bursting with stunning features then look no further!

£116,500

£139,950

The Foundry

Commutation Plaza

The Collegiate

Lark Lane

One Bedroom Studio Style Spacious Living/Dining Room Exposed Beams EPC - B

Two Bedroom Top Floor Secure Allocated Parking 75% Shared Ownership EPC - C

One Bedroom Third Floor Timber Decked Balcony Secure Allocated Parking EPC - E

Two Bedroom Second Floor Apartment Open Plan Living/Kitchen EPC - C

£150,000

£139,950

£184,500

£199,500

Central Gardens

Waterloo Warehouse

Chancery House

Hatton Gardens

Two Bedroom Apartment En-Suite Shower Room Allocated Car Parking Space EPC - C

Spacious One Bedroom Stunning Exposed Brick Work Secure Allocated Parking EPC - C

Two Bedroom Apartment Fabulous City Centre Location En-suite Shower Room Modern Fitted Kitchen

A Spacious Three Bedroom Secure Allocated Parking Must Be Viewed EPC - C

£200,000

£215,000

£295,000

£220,000

Waterloo Warehouse

Cornwallis Court

One Park West

Roscoe Street

Spacious Two Bedroom Duplex River Views &Stunning Features Secure Allocated Parking EPC - C

Two Bedroom Penthouse Secure Parking Space En-Suite Shower Room EPC - D

Two Bedroom 8th Floor Situated In The Prestigious One Park West Development Allocated Car Parking Space

Converted Two Bedroom Coach House High Specification Kitchen Sought After Location EPC -

FOLLOW US

/cityresidential

@cityresidential

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Asset Management

SALES

LETTINGS

Consultancy Service

Student

STUDENT

£700pcm The Strand

£1,300pcm Argyle Street

City Residential are absolutely delighted to offer for rent this well maintained studio apartment on the ninth floor in this brand new development. The apartment is

designed with a contemporary open plan living area to maximise space and offers stunning views of the city.

City Residential are delighted to offer for rent this immaculately presented two bedroom apartment. Finished to the highest of standards with a brand new modern and

£625pcm

£550pcm

well appointed bathroom and ensuite and a brand new kitchen which includes integrated appliances. The apartment is designed with open plan living, dining and kitchen area.

£625pcm

£675pcm

One Park West

Regency Chambers

Liberty Place

Waterloo Warehouse

Studio Apartment Fully Furnished Central Location

One Bedroom Apartment Extra Study Room Central Location

One Bedroom Fully Furnished Includes Parking

One Bedroom Apartment Fully Furnished Includes Parking

£800pcm

£775pcm

£700pcm

£850pcm

Westminster Chambers

Focus Building

Moss Street

Tower Building

Two Bedroom Apartment Fully Furnished Central Location

Two Bedroom Apartment Fully Furnished Includes Parking

Two Bedroom Apartment Fully Furnished Central Location

Two Bedroom Apartment Fully Furnished Includes Parking

Alexandra Tower One & Two Bedroom Apartments available now from £650pcm, call us now on

0151 231 6100 to arrange viewing

81-87 Victoria Street, The Old Haymarket, Liverpool L1 6DG

p01-20_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:17 Page 18

WORDS BY NATASHA YOUNG

A FIRST-TIME BUYERS’

Guide

TAKING YOUR FIRST STEP ON THE PROPERTY LADDER CAN BE OVERWHELMING WITH LONG TERM DECISIONS TO BE MADE AND VARIOUS COSTLY FACTORS TO BUDGET FOR WITH THE RIGHT HELP AND ASSISTANCE THOUGH THE PROCESS DOESN’T HAVE TO BE STRESSFUL AND YOU CAN ENJOY SETTING UP YOUR NEW HOME

VICTORIA BEILIN PROPERTY MANAGER AND DIRECTOR OF LIVERPOOL AGENT BE PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDES EXPERT ANSWERS TO SOME KEY QUESTIONS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS

Q

Q&A WITH

Victoria Beilin

director, BE Property Services

Q

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUYING A PROPERTY AS OPPOSED TO RENTING?

Getting one foot on the property ladder can save money and means you’re in a strong position when you come to move to your next home.

Think about it - when you’re paying rent you are paying off your landlord’s mortgage when you could be paying off your own.

Other benefits include being free to do work on and decorate your property, and you won’t have the risk of being asked to move out when the landlord wants to sell.

WHY SHOULD I USE AN ESTATE AGENT WHEN BUYING A HOME?

An agent can inform you of new instructions and offer quality local expertise when buying in certain areas.

It’s best to view new instructions as soon as they come on the market so you can establish whether or not they’re something you might be interested in.

Once you’ve put in an offer on a property and it’s accepted the agent is there to update you and assist as much as they can.

When you have a mortgage in principle, register your details with local agents so they can prioritise you on new instructions. Try and communicate with the agent face to face and let them know you are a serious buyer, ready to go!

Q

WHAT DO I NEED TO BUDGET FOR WHEN BUYING MY FIRST HOME?

Factor in costs such as stamp duty and conveyancing fees while proceeding to purchase your new property. Then additional costs once you have completed will include the likes of home insurance and all utilities.

Once you move in you’ll be covering costs such as water, gas, electricity, TV licence, council tax and ongoing maintenance. You may also want to do some decorating to put your own stamp on your new home.

Always remember to keep up with mortgage payments or risk having your property repossessed.

Q

WHAT SHOULD I HAVE IN PLACE BEFORE I START VIEWING HOMES?

Make sure you have a mortgage in principle from the bank or a mortgage advisor - this can be with an independent mortgage advisor who

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT BE PROPERTY SERVICES ON

OR EMAIL WOOLTON@BEPROPERTYSERVICES CO UK

18 Your Move

may work in partnership with an estate agent, or you can speak to your bank to see what detail they can offer.

From there you can budget what you can afford so make sure you’re comfortable to borrow the amount you want. Try not to exceed an affordable price as this could result in your property being repossessed. It can also be worth checking out the many government schemes such as Help to Buy. Research the area you wish to buy in too. For example, drive around it to see where the property is positioned and what is nearby.

Then when you do start looking at homes, view as many properties as possible to understand what you like and don’t like, and once you’ve found something place an offer with the agent.

If your offer is not accepted, ask the agent what the vendor would like to achieve and try to negotiate.

Q

ONCE I’VE HAD AN OFFER ACCEPTED HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE UNTIL I CAN MOVE IN?

If you have a mortgage a survey will need to be carried out. For any first-time buyer it’s important to have a structural survey on any property to cover yourself.

Once this has been approved it’s then in the hands of the solicitors and the process can take up to 12 weeks until completion. This gives you time to prepare for when you collect your keys and you can search for the best deals on your home insurance and gas and electricity.

The whole experience can be overwhelming but enjoy being a homeowner as much as you can and don’t forget to keep up with your mortgage payments!

p01-20_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:17 Page 19

SPONSORED CONTENT

A perfect first home Palmerston Drive, Liverpool, L25 This three-bedroom, semi-detached home in South Liverpool ticks plenty of boxes for first-time buyers.

Available with no chain, it’ll offer house hunters a smoother purchasing process, and the well-presented décor and finishes will enable buyers to take time settling in without an urgent need for improvements.

Spacious inside and out, the home’s features include a downstairs WC, a fully fitted modern kitchen, a dining area and a rear garden which is not overlooked.

Residents will also benefit from off-road parking as the front garden is accompanied by a driveway.

BE PROPERTY SERVICES /

Your Move 19

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2005–2016 5,198 Properties Sold Over £280 Million Raised That’s Why We Are Still No 1!

Liverpool’s Leading Auction House Offering Over 100 Properties On 25 May @12pm Crowne Plaza, St Nicholas Place, Princes Dock L3 1QW Lots to include…

VACANT RESIDENTIAL

VACANT RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT

VACANT RESIDENTIAL

VACANT RESIDENTIAL

16 Queens Drive, Walton, Liverpool, L4 6SH

89 Cambria Street, Liverpool, L6 6AP

22 Liversidge Road, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH42 0LS

8 Kipling Street, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 4QE

20 Tudor Street, Liverpool, L6 6AQ

Guide price £100,000+*

Guide price £25,000+*

Guide price £75,000+*

Guide price £30,000+*

Guide price £25,000+*

VACANT RESIDENTIAL

VACANT RESDIENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT

VACANT RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT

10 Meadow Avenue, Clock Face, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA9 4QR

23 Seaforth Road, Liverpool, L21 3TX

39 St. Andrew Road, Liverpool, L4 2RJ

58 Connaught Road, Kensington, Liverpool, L7 8RP

145 Goodison Road, Liverpool, L4 4EW

Guide price £55,000+*

Guide price £30,000–£35,000*

Guide price £35,000+*

Guide price £75,000+*

Guide price £40,000–£45,000*

For full details of all lots visit www.suttonkersh.co.uk/auctions-property To arrange a viewing or to make an offer call 0151 207 6315

Instructions now invited for our 12 July auction Catalogue closes 16 June *Guide prices are provided as an indication of each seller’s minimum expectation. They are not necessarily figures at which a property will sell for and may change at any time prior to auction. Unless stated otherwise, each lot will be offered subject to a reserve (a figure below which the Auctioneer cannot sell the lot during the auction). We expect the reserve will be set within the guide range or no more than 10% above a single figure guide.

Sutton Kersh is a trading name of Countrywide Estate Agents, an appointed representative of Countrywide Principal Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No. 00789476, Registered Office: 88–103 Caldecotte Lake Drive, Caldecotte, Milton Keynes, MK7 8JT.

DON’T MISS OUT… DON’T MISS OUT… DON’T MISS OUT… DON’T MISS OUT… Remember we are always adding extra lots to our auction list, so up to the date of the auction keep checking our website www.suttonkersh.co.uk/auctions-property for updates!

p21-40_p03-12 02/05/2017 17:32 Page 21

Call 0151 733 3693 Mobile 07870 600 726 Email enquiries@harrisonco.co.uk

BUYERS & SELLERS

LANDLORDS

TENANTS

We have excelled in commercial rentals and sales and residen al sales providing proper es that are perfect for investment and luxurious living. We have demand for sellers and buyers alike.

Have your property managed by experienced, proac ve, understanding Landlords that make up our team of agents.

Join our wai ng list of poten al and prospec ve tenants who have shown outstanding loyalty to our services a er we have proven to be on the pulse when matching clients to their ideal homes.

mortgage advice

Simple "No Tenant, No Fee" services also available.

Property Ombudsman registered.

Our designated sales progression team will advise and inform you.

visit our new branch on rose lane Who are we?

We are an independent Estate Agency that takes pride in professionally marke ng residen al property at all levels and price ranges with a ďŹ rst class standard of presenta on and a service that is second to none.

We take as much pride in marke ng your home as our clients do in owning them, with professional photographs of the highest quality, descrip ve digital colour details cross referenced with our map and a posi ve enthusias c sales approach to help you achieve the best possible price.

Smithdown Road

409 Smithdown Road, Liverpool, L15 3JL

rose lane

171 Rose Lane, Liverpool, L18 5EA

p21-40_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:07 Page 22

www.nwpas.com @theNWPAs

Call for entries for the 2017 awards Visit www.nwpas.com to submit yours before 30 June 2017

Thursday 19th October 2017 LUTYENS CRYPT, LIVERPOOL METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

Recognising excellence in the North West property industry

For more information visit www.nwpas.com or follow us on Twitter for @theNWPAs

p21-40_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:07 Page 23

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NEWS EXPERT ADVICE AND GIVEAWAYS AT TWO-DAY PARKLANDS EVENT Prospective home buyers will have access to free expert advice and prize giveaways as Parklands hosts a special event this month.

Parklands homes will be showcased during the weekend

‘The Big Move Event’ will take place at the Norris Green housing development’s marketing suite on 13-14 May, when visitors will also be able to find out more about the homes on offer.

Mortgage advisors will be on hand to offer assistance during the 10am-5pm event on both days, and there will also be a chance to win £250 worth of John Lewis vouchers in a prize draw.

Meanwhile vouchers for upgrade packages to add features such as Sonos speakers, bespoke curtains and integrated appliances to the new build properties will be on offer to attendees looking to make reservations during the weekend, as some homes will be available for this summer.

For more information about the event at the Broad Lane based scheme, contact Parklands on 0151 256 0900.

Growing Liverpool agent appoints new property administrator Harrison & Co’s new recruit, Charley Hanley

Liverpool agent Harrison & Co has appointed a new property administrator at its Mossley Hill branch amid a period of sustained growth.

Charley Hanley has joined the company at its Rose Lane office and will shadow its property management team while she completes a business administration course.

Danny McNab, branch manager at Harrison & Co’s Mossley Hill branch, says: “Charley has been brought into the business as she is a bright, enthusiastic and hardworking young woman with a huge passion for working in property.

“We believe, with the right guidance and development, Charley will grow into a respected, knowledgeable and successful figure in the industry.”

Charley adds: “I love how vibrant and forward thinking the office is at Harrison & Co. I’m looking forward to progressing here.”

South Liverpool based agent Harrison & Co, which also has an office on Smithdown Road, recently opened the Rose Lane site to branch out into property sales.

The firm also provides lettings and property management services.

For more information call 0151 724 4467.

Your Move 25

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NEWS

NWPAs ENTRY DEADLINE TWO MONTHS AWAY The deadline is looming to be in with the chance of winning the awards

Property professionals in the North West have just two months left to submit entries for this year’s NWPAs. The Friday 30 June deadline is fast approaching for experts and their projects to be considered for the 2017 awards.

The annual event, which is free to enter, will celebrate another year of success across the region’s residential and commercial property sectors.

Meanwhile a new sponsor has pledged its support to the prestigious event, with Redrow Lancashire Residential lending its name to the Property Agency of the Year category.

Kim O’Brien, director of Move Publishing which is behind the awards, says: “With only two months to go until entries close, we would urge all North West businesses to get their entries in. The awards evening is always a fantastic celebration of talent and a great opportunity to be recognised as an industry leader.

“We are delighted to have Redrow Lancashire back on board for 2017 to help us highlight the wealth of talent and experience in the residential sector.”

The winners will be revealed during a glittering awards ceremony on 19 October at Lutyens Crypt in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, which is celebrating its golden jubilee this year.

Countryside is the main sponsor of the 2017 NWPAs, with Paul Crowley & Co, Redwing Living, UK Business Supplies, Redrow Lancashire and The Foundry Agency also signed up as category sponsors. Furnish That Room is sponsoring a drinks reception.

For more information about the award categories and to enter, visit www.nwpas.com.

HOT TUB FIRM CONTINUES GROWTH WITH NEW SALES HIRE A North West hot tub company has taken on a new member of staff as it continues its growth.

New sales executive Michael Dunn joins Northern Spas Outlet with seven years’ experience working in the furniture industry.

Michael’s appointment comes on the back of a successful Easter weekend sales event for the company, which saw it sell 12 hot tubs including two top-of-the-range ‘Grande NXT’ models featuring integrated music systems.

The state-of-the-art ‘ACE Salt Water System’, which requires owners to change the water only twice a year, was also said to be popular with buyers at the outlet within Dobbies in Southport.

Jeff Murphy, owner of Northern Spas, says: “The Easter sale was a massive success story for us as a new business.

“We are also very pleased to announce the recruitment of Michael to add to our growing team.

“Michael has great experience in sales working for numerous furniture outlets and we feel he will become a very important part of the growth plan of Northern Spas Outlet.”

26 Your Move

New sales executive Michael Dunn

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NEWS

LIVERPOOL AUCTION HOUSE ENJOYS SUCCESSFUL START TO

The apartments at Royden House are in need of some renovation

Liverpool auction house Sutton Kersh has enjoyed a successful first quarter of 2017.

Bumper turnouts have been recorded for each auction so far this year, with more than £10 million being raised in revenue.

Cathy Holt, associate director at Sutton Kersh, says: “We have been the best performing auction house in Merseyside so far this year having sold 166 properties in the first quarter.

“We have competitive standing rooms and persistent phone bidders which makes for an exciting atmosphere - it gets intense.”

Sutton Kersh’s next auction on 25 May at The Crowne Plaza will feature more than 100 lots from

across the North West.

Standout properties include the Grade II-listed Royden House in Birkenhead, which has a guide price of £600,000. The lot, which has been converted into 14 self-contained apartments, dates back to 1845 and sits on a sizeable plot of land.

Other highlights include a three-storey, fivebedroom house on the corner of Dovedale Road in Mossley Hill, which has a guide price of £100,000, and a double-fronted semi-detached home in Bootle which benefits from gate parking.

For more information visit www.suttonkersh.co.uk/auctions.

COUNTRYSIDE CELEBRATES PROGRESS AT NORRIS GREEN DEVELOPMENT

The scheme forms part of Liverpool City Council’s £200m regeneration of Norris Green

Housebuilder Countryside is celebrating a year of progress at its award-winning NGV Liverpool development.

Credited with playing a crucial role in the rejuvenation of Norris Green, the Lewisham Road

scheme has seen more than 100 house hunters secure a new home during the past 12 months.

Almost 90% of the housing development has now been completed or reserved, with just 90 properties left available.

NGV Liverpool is also said to have received a warm welcome from local residents, with Countryside forming strong relationships with the community and bringing projects such as ongoing health and safety initiatives with local primary schools.

Stephanie Gough, headteacher of Monksdown Primary School in Norris Green, says: “The transformation of NGV Liverpool has brought with it significant benefits to the local area and its residents.

“It’s been wonderful to witness what was once a run-down area flourish into a thriving neighbourhood that families can grow within.”

Once complete the development will comprise 829 two, three and four-bedroom homes, which have been available through the government-backed Help to Buy scheme.

Latest Abode team member makes the grade Another team member at Liverpool estate agent Abode has been awarded a prestigious industry qualification.

David Kevan, accounts and management officer at the firm’s Crosby office, has become the latest member of the property management team to pass the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) exam.

Elizabeth Fairhurst, area manager for lettings, property management and investments at Abode, says many landlords don't realise the lettings industry isn’t regulated and that untrained staff can cause them serious problems.

She adds: “As an ARLA licenced member, our company accounts, insurance and client protection schemes are checked annually which ensures landlords’ confidence in our service.”

Dave Kevan was delighted to pass the exam

Your Move 27

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WE’RE HIRING

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Media Sales Executive | Print & Digital Fantastic opportunity for a talented media sales executive to join Move Publishing’s print and digital media sales team, based in Liverpool city centre.

We work across a variety of sectors and publish magazines and produce websites.

Ideally you’ll offer experience from a sales environment, preferably in publishing, advertising, digital or print. Working to achievable KPIs and realistic sales targets, this role is primarily office based and you would be expected to develop an existing portfolio of clients as well as cold calling prospective new customers.

Salary £18000 - £22000 per annum + training + uncapped commission OTE + £5K-£10K

APPLY 28 Your Move

in writing with your CV to Kim O’Brien kim@movepublishing.co.uk Move Publishing, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS

JOB OPPORTUNITY

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p21-40_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:08 Page 29

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sh are d O wn ers h i p :

Could it help you?

DO YOU DREAM OF OWNING A HOME BUT FEEL LIKE IT’S FINANCIALLY OUT OF REACH? SHARED OWNERSHIP COULD BE THE SOLUTION THE GOVERNMENT-BACKED INITIATIVE ENABLES ELIGIBLE HOUSE HUNTERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PART BUY AND PART RENT A PROPERTY JEANETTE GRADY SALES AND NEW BUSINESS MANAGER AT RIVERSIDE HOME OWNERSHIP WHICH HAS FORTHCOMING SHARED OWNERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION’S LEE PARK AND RUNCORN AREAS TELLS YOU ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SCHEME

You can buy a share of just 25% of a property.

If you want to buy a home but can’t afford the full amount, Shared Ownership would enable you to start by purchasing a share, usually between 25% and 75%.

You would then pay rent on the remainder, which is owned by a housing association such as Riverside Home Ownership.

To get the ball rolling, you must apply through Help to Buy North West, which will check you meet the eligibility criteria, and then you can look for your ideal property.

Lots of buyers are eligible for Shared Ownership.

If you have a household income of £80,000 a year or less you could be eligible to buy a property through the scheme.

First-time buyers, house hunters who used to own a home but can’t afford to buy one now, and existing shared owners looking to move could purchase a brand new property from a participating housing association like Riverside Home Ownership.

You could one day own your Shared Ownership property outright.

Buying a share of a home doesn’t mean that the property can never fully be yours - it just helps

you take your first steps on the property ladder sooner in a more affordable way.

You can increase your stake in your home over time by adding to the percentage you own when it’s financially convenient, and eventually own 100%. This process is called staircasing.

The more of the property you own, the less you pay in rent.

Specialist experts can speed up the process.

When buying a Shared Ownership property it’s important to remember that you’re entering into a leasehold agreement, and enlisting experts who are knowledgeable in this area can make the buying process smoother.

For instance, you should ideally seek the advice of a solicitor with experience in this field.

If they’re not familiar with Shared Ownership, they may raise a lot of extra enquiries which can prolong the process and lead to a bigger bill for their additional time.

Shared Ownership can save you money.

You’ll need a mortgage for the share of the property you are buying, and will also have the monthly rent to pay on the remainder. A monthly service charge is also added for building insurance, maintenance and any communal areas.

Surprisingly though, this doesn’t make Shared Ownership more expensive than buying

in full or renting.

The rent element of Shared Ownership is reduced so the combined monthly costs are usually still, on average, 20% less than buying the same property outright. It often works out cheaper than renting it too.

You can make your Shared Ownership home your own.

Shared Ownership providers like Riverside Home Ownership offer a range of homes through the scheme, whether you’re looking for bungalows, apartments or family homes.

Once you’ve moved in you are free to decorate and undertake general home improvements, putting your own stamp on the property.

The housing association which owns a portion of the property will need to be contacted if you’re looking to carry out major works.

Selling can still be straightforward.

If you want to sell your Shared Ownership property in the future, the process isn’t any more complicated than selling an average property.

The difference is that instead of selling your entire home you’re simply selling your share, and the buyer becomes the replacement owner. They will also need to be eligible for Shared Ownership.

The housing association will retain the share it already had, and will require rent payments from your replacement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON NEW DEVELOPMENTS VISIT WWW RIVERSIDEHOMEOWNERSHIP ORG UK OR CONTACT SALES@RIVERSIDE ORG UK /

Your Move 29

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AS THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION STRIVES TO FULFILL ITS HUGE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL YOUR MOVE ASKS HOW VITAL IS IT FOR THE AREA’S ASPIRATIONAL HOUSING OPTIONS TO MATCH UP TO ITS LOFTY AMBITIONS WORDS BY LAWRENCE SAUNDERS

W

orld famous architecture, seven free museums, more listed parks than any UK city outside London and numerous major regeneration projects in the pipeline… Liverpool has plenty going for it.

Whilst Liverpool’s housing offer is also undoubtedly strong though, it’s possible the city could benefit from a greater number of truly top-end choices.

Whether the availability of luxurious accommodation directly correlates with a city’s economic prosperity is open to debate, but if the Liverpool City Region wants to attract more upand-coming businesses, the quality of life that people who work here can enjoy is no doubt a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Last July, the city’s emerging innovation hub Knowledge Quarter Liverpool beat off competition from Manchester and Leeds to

secure the prized scalp of The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and its first centre of excellence outside of the capital.

And according to Colin Sinclair, chief executive of the 450-acre development site which is aiming to position itself as a world class hub for innovation, the city region’s housing options proved vital in convincing the RCP to choose Liverpool.

“The housing offer has been really important,” he says.

“We were lucky that there were one or two key people at the RCP who had been to the city region before and could not only see the huge transformation of the waterfront, but also the desirability of some of its residential locations.

“Whether its Wirral to the south or places like Crosby, Southport and Ormskirk to the north - they could see there are very nice places

to live that you can commute into the city centre from.

“But equally, if you don’t want to commute you've got the Georgian Quarter with some quite stunning properties right in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter.”

Colin is keen to stress that it wasn't just the existing housing stock that made a difference but the city region’s future residential plans.

“The RCP wanted to see that we are bringing forward new residential developments which satisfy everybody’s needs - not just executives who might move up from London, or the top academics and clinicians who might be attracted to the universities or the hospital,” he adds.

“What we are keen to do is get a balanced mix of residential which suits everyone who wants to live and work in the area.

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ASPIRATIONAL ACCOMMODATION IN LIVERPOOL

Elliot Group’s proposed Infinity scheme

“IF LIVERPOOL IS TO CONTINUE ATTRACTING HIGHLY SKILLED WORKERS THEN THE ACCOMMODATION OFFER ACROSS THE CITY HAS TO APPEAL TO ITS TARGET AUDIENCE GENERATION Y - AND MEET THEIR EXACTING STANDARDS.

”

“Living space in the Knowledge Quarter for young professionals and post-graduates is something we really need to focus on and make sure that we do far more than the run-of-themill student accommodation.

“We must provide good accommodation for people who want to live and work in this area right up to young families.”

One ambitious city centre scheme which its developer thinks will play an important role in increasing Liverpool’s attraction as a city to live and work in is Your Housing Group’s (YHG) Hive City Docks, which has edged closer to fruition in recent months.

Subject to planning consent, work on the proposed £48 million private rented sector (PRS) scheme at Princes Dock, part of Peel’s £5.5bn Liverpool Waters scheme, is expected to get underway later this year.

According to Stephen Haigh, executive director at YHG, luxury perks at the 31-storey development such as a 24-hour concierge service, a rooftop restaurant and a range of inapartment technologies will be key in attracting what he sees as the city’s target audience.

“If Liverpool is to continue attracting highly skilled workers then the accommodation offer across the city has to appeal to its target audience - Generation Y (people born during 1980s and early 1990s) - and meet their exacting standards and requirements,” he says.

“We know from extensive research that Generation Y looks for specific characteristics when choosing their new home.

“High on their list of priorities is the distance they need to travel from home to work, as is being close to local amenities and transport links. They also expect their chosen home to fit in with their upwardly mobile and very current lifestyles.

“We have worked hard trying to develop our Hive City Docks offer to ensure it’s right for Generation Y and we feel our in-apartment technology and beacon-based apps, alongside hotel-styled services such as room service and regular housekeeping, are there to aid customers rather than stifle.”

Elsewhere in Liverpool Waters, a soon to be built 34-storey tower is promising to bring New The Lexington forms part of Liverpool Waters

Liverpool Waters’ Princes Dock development

Hive City Docks

York-style living to the city’s famous waterfront.

Moda Living’s The Lexington, which was granted planning permission in September 2016, will be the tallest landmark within Peel’s multi-billion pound regeneration scheme and is set to include 304 flats alongside a residents’ lounge, gym, roof terrace and an indoor/outdoor cinema.

"It’s a really exciting time for Liverpool at the moment making it the perfect match for the Moda brand,” says Dan Brooks, director at Moda Living.

“We’ve picked a fantastic spot as it’s the first piece of the jigsaw for Liverpool Waters.

Liverpool is a very forward thinking city, a place people look to when they want to know what the next best thing is.”

Developments like The Lexington, Hive City Docks and others such as Elliot Group’s recently approved £250m ‘triple towers’ Infinity scheme, which includes a luxury spa, gym and a pool, are a sign that Liverpool’s high-end residential options are on the up - potentially making the region a more attractive proposition for relocating businesses and staff.

“The number one question investors ask is about the availability of highly skilled workers and the ability to attract them to the city region,” says Ellen Cutler, director of investment at Invest Liverpool, which was set up to accelerate the city’s economic growth.

“Fortunately, Liverpool city centre is vibrant and exciting and is surrounded by an amazing region that offers an exceptional quality of life.

“Quality housing is an important component of that attraction so we are pleased to see so many new developments.”

p21-40_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:08 Page 32

INTRODUCING WELLINGTON GROVE

A stunning new development of 3 bedroom homes | Huyton - with - Roby PRICES NOW RELEASED

3 bedroom cottage from £295,000 or £236,000 with

3 bedroom family from £260,000 or £208,000 with The development consists of five 3 bed homes with generous living accommodation, gardens, garage and further off road parking - with a stunning design feature of a timber clad façade, making the properties truly distinctive. There is also a one of a kind , sizeable 3 bed detached bungalow, the character property will have all the advantages of a new build home whilst retaining a traditional cottage appearance.

The homes will be set within a beautifully landscaped, private, gated community.

All our homes come with a 10 year NHBC warranty.

Help to Buy is available on this development meaning you can purchase with just a 5% deposit. Off Plan Reservations are now being taken. Early reservations allow the buyer to handpick many interior finishes and tailor make their dream home from our available range of upgrades and extras.

OFF PLAN RESERVATIONS NOW BEING TAKEN - JUST 5 PLOTS REMAINING

LAND REQUIRED Do you have land to sell?

At Forth Homes we are interested in a range of transactions from single unit builds to residential schemes of two hundred units or more.

We are always seeking new development opportunities and are willing to consider purchasing with or without planning permission.

Why should you choose us? · ·

We work with the seller to obtain planning permission We pay the best price for your land

· · ·

We use skilled in-house planning specialists We consider sites of all sizes We can provide a quick turnaround with speedy legals and a professional service

Help to Buy (HTB) Forth Homes are help to buy approved developers. Help to buy prices represent 80% of the full purchase price shown. Help to Buy purchases are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings and deposit where required. Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan of up to 20% of the market price, interest free for the first 5 years. At the start of year six a fee of 1.75% is payable on the equity loan, which rises annually by RPI inflation plus 1%. Only available on selected properties in England. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Terms and conditions apply. Please speak to your financial advisor for full details. Prices and details correct at time of distribution. Some images may be for illustration purposes only. Please speak to a Forth Homes sales advisor for more information.

p21-40_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:08 Page 33

INTRODUCING WARBURTON HEY

A stunning new development of 3 & 4 bedroom homes | Rainhill, L35 4LF PRICES NOW RELEASED

3 bedroom semi detached from £215,000 or £172,000 with

3 bedroom detached from £230,000 or £184,000 with

4 bedroom semi detached from £235,000 or £188,000 with

OFF PLAN RESERVATIONS NOW BEING TAKEN CALL TODAY TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Contact us...

If you would like to discuss a viewing or the possible sale of your land please contact us on 0151 909 3007 or email Danielle@forth-homes.com

Forth Homes, building homes for the future.

Call us today 0151 909 3007 • sales@forth-homes.com

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I N T E R V I E W

W I T H

J A C Q U E L I N E

W I L S O N

MULTI AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DAME JACQUELINE WILSON HAS WRITTEN MORE THAN BOOKS AND CREATED SOME OF BRITAIN’S MOST POPULAR CHILDREN’S CHARACTERS DURING HER ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER THE FORMER CHILDREN’S LAUREATE IS ABOUT TO HOLD A TALK AT LIVERPOOL’S ST GEORGE'S HALL AHEAD OF THE LAUNCH OF HER UPCOMING BOOK ‘WAVE ME GOODBYE’ AND YOUR MOVE CAUGHT UP WITH THE WRITER TO DISCUSS HER LATEST NOVEL THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HER IDEAS AND HER FUTURE PROJECTS

p21-40_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:09 Page 37

TALENT IN THE CITY

INTERVIEW BY MARK LANGSHAW

Liverpool is among a select few places you’re visiting ahead of the launch of your new book. Why did you choose the city?

Partly because I haven’t given a talk there for a while and also because ‘Wave Me Goodbye’ is about children being evacuated during World War II. I would imagine quite a few kids from Liverpool were evacuated to a place of safety in the countryside during the conflict, and the book might resonate with children in Liverpool who may have great grandparents who were evacuated themselves.

What is it about this topic that interests you?

It was a one-off for evacuation to happen to British children and it was such a strange social experiment, taking kids away from everything they knew and expecting them to play happily in the countryside and get used to foster parents.

Some kids had a good time and returned unscathed, while others had nightmares for years.

I remember hearing the writer Claire Rayner speaking on the radio about her experience of evacuation and she said how terrible it was and how unhappy she was. We didn’t know a lot about child psychology back then and what kind of damage was being done to some of these youngsters.

Having said that, my book isn’t full of gloom and despair. The kids in the story get homesick but they have a lot of fun and interesting adventures too. I wanted it to be a good story for children, one they can enjoy.

You’re known for tackling heavy subject matter, from divorce to mental illness. How important is it that children are made aware of these issues?

Certainly with things like divorce it’s important.

When I was a kid you had to whisper the word because it was seen as so shameful, and yet these days the conventional family unit is becoming almost a rarity now.

I like to write about all kinds of children, including those in difficult circumstances, but I also like my books to be quite light-hearted in parts and have happy, yet realistic endings.

I do think children these days are more exposed to adult issues, with television and the internet ushering them far too rapidly into the modern world.

A N A FTE RN O O N WI T H JACQU E L I N E W I L S O N TA K E S P L AC E AT ST G EOR GE ' S H A L L’ S CON CERT RO OM ON M AY

Has the way you write altered over the years to reflect these changes in society?

I think I write in the same way I always have. I try to write in a comforting way that is easy to understand. If a child is going through something difficult it’s like a hand being held up and saying ‘it’s okay, I know what it feels like’.

If a child has a lovely, happy and secure family, I’m telling them ‘this is what life can be like for some children but they can get through it and have a happy life too’. Life has changed around me but I still approach things in much the same way.

Is it difficult to get children reading these days, with so many other forms of entertainment for books to compete with?

The key is getting to them very young. It’s better to sit with a young infant and browse through a basic picturebook together rather than giving them a tablet device to dab at.

This encourages them to embrace the warmth, fun and humour of looking at books.

I’ve not yet met a very small child who doesn’t like being read to - even if they are particularly fidgety you can occupy them with Lego or something while they listen.

Children exposed to these experiences are likely to pick up a reading habit. Of course they’re going to want to play electronic games as well, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s a bit frightening that some youngsters think staring at a screen is the only natural way to communicate.

A new series of the ‘Hetty Feather’ TV show is in the works at CBBC. How much input did you have in that?

I always get heavily involved in the production even though I don’t write the scripts. They consult with me on story development and send me the screenplays.

I like the way the ‘Hetty Feather’ show is going - it veers away from the books but I’m happy about that as long as they get the tone and emotion right. I’m glad it has been so successful because they’ve tried so hard to capture the essence of my stories.

Is this always your stance on adaptations of your work?

It’s important for me to know the people who are adapting my work and familiarise myself with their previous projects. I will never say ‘take my work and do whatever you want with it’ but I understand that television and film is a different medium altogether.

Whatever happens on the screen, the book remains the same so hopefully you can have the two different experiences and they can complement each other.

Being realistic, having anything on television is a wonderful advert for your book, so I’d be completely mad to say ‘no, I don’t want this to happen’.

Hetty has been wonderfully successful and in the past things like ‘Tracy Beaker’ have been massive for me, so that’s absolutely great.

“I try to write in a comforting way that is easy to understand. If a child is going through something difficult it’s like a hand being held up and saying ‘it’s okay, I know what it feels like’.”

Speaking of Tracy Beaker, are we likely to hear more from her in the future?

This summer it’s the 15th anniversary of the ‘Tracy Beaker’ television programme and I think CBBC is planning a celebration with lots of reruns and things. I’ve heard rumours that [lead actress] Dani Harmer herself will be involved, which would be splendid.

I sometimes toy with the idea of what Tracy would be like now. I think she’d be a mother herself by now and it’s quite a funny and interesting concept to imagine what it would be like to be Tracy Beaker’s daughter.

Would she be a quiet, well-behaved child who shrinks when her mother makes a scene somewhere? Who knows? It’s fun to think about because Tracy isn’t the sort of character who fades away; she stays hanging around, wanting to have more attention paid to her.

Are you working on any other new projects at the moment?

I’m just putting the finishing touches to another book about Hetty Feather called ‘Hetty Feather’s Christmas’. It will be coming out this Christmas and will explore the Victorian Christmas.

I’ve wangled things so she’s back in the Foundling Hospital - she’s only about 12 at the time this story takes place - and she is taken out for the day to experience a real Victorian Christmas.

Being Hetty, there are a lot of ups and downs along the way. It’s been fun getting back into that character.

p21-40_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:09 Page 38

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MENTAL HEALTH REMAINS A TABOO SUBJECT FOR MANY YET IT’S SOMETHING WE ALL HAVE MUST WORK TO MAINTAIN AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO DISCUSS OPENLY IF THE NEED EVER ARISES WITH MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK TAKING PLACE BETWEEN AND MAY WE ROUND UP SOME OF THE BEST INITIATIVES IN THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION FOR BOOSTING WELLBEING FOSTERING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND PROMOTING PEACE OF MIND

Tackle the blues

Spread the word

Everton Football Club’s charity arm offers a wide range of health and wellbeing projects aimed at various demographics.

Whether you’re looking to release endorphins through exercise or cast off the shackles of social isolation, Everton in the Community’s outreach programmes can help you keep the blues at bay.

Many of the organisation’s initiatives are based around the holistic benefits of exercise and are geared towards specific groups, such as asylum seekers, military veterans, dementia sufferers and mothers who have children with additional needs.

Running alongside these projects are inclusive events like Men’s Health 11-a-side football sessions aimed at people who would ordinarily neglect their health; and EuroFIT, a 12-week course providing healthy lifestyle training as well as the opportunity to engage with likeminded individuals.

There are also volunteer opportunities on offer through Everton in the Community, with successful applicants getting the chance to support and engage with the charity’s vulnerable service users.

Never underestimate the power of the written word as literature can inspire, stimulate and bring people together.

The unifying potential of books and their ability to change the way individuals feel about themselves and relate to others is the bedrock of The Reader’s Shared Reading activities.

Run by the Calderstones Parkbased charity on a regular basis, these events amass people into weekly groups to listen to poetry and stories read aloud, and share their thoughts on them.

Expect an atmosphere of lively collaboration where personal and social connections are freely forged, but those who prefer quiet reflection are under no pressure to read or even speak.

The literary charity holds regular Shared Reading gatherings at its Calderstones Park headquarters, as well as at libraries, community centres and other venues across the city region, and the door is always open to newcomers.

Ways to boost

Draw positive energy Getting those creative juices flowing can work wonders for your wellbeing, providing an important outlet when everyday stresses weigh heavy and a confidence boost when you need it most.

The therapeutic potential of arts and crafts is already well documented, but why not experience it for yourself by enrolling in a class or two?

New watercolour painting and drawing classes for adults are due to start up at Kirkby Gallery in Knowsley this month, specifically geared towards beginners and intermediates.

With Willy Russell’s ‘Another Aspect’ exhibition serving as an inspiring backdrop, participants will be encouraged to try their hand at creative expression in a relaxed, informal setting.

The courses run for eight weeks and cost £4 per session, with interested parties advised to reserve their place in advance.

Wellbeing

of

of mind p41-48_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:11 Page 43

WAYS TO BOOST YOUR WELLBEING IN LIVERPOOL

Bust a move

Laugh it off

Be one with nature

There are many reasons why dancing is considered therapeutic, from the collaborative nature of the most popular routines to the amount of calories you burn in the process.

For some, getting into the rhythm is a sure fire way to beat the blues and the Merseyside Dance Initiative’s (MDI) beginners’ classes are a good place to start.

Taking place regularly at MDI’s Studio 24 on Hope Street, the African, contemporary and ballet sessions are open to everyone and first-timers are encouraged to drop by unannounced.

Whatever form of dance you attempt, the MDI workshops promise a thorough workout, the chance to connect with people and the opportunity to try your hand at something new.

They say laughter is often the best medicine and Liverpool has just the prescription for anyone who loves a good joke, with its extensive comedy circuit, dedicated clubs and leading stand-up shows.

Watching comedy doesn’t have to be an expensive night out either, as there is a place where you can get your kicks for free.

Hot Water Comedy Club has attracted big names such as Russell Kane and Brendon Burns, as well as the cream of the local crop.

Although the majority of its events require an entrance fee, there are also free shows coming up so comics can trial work-in-progress sets.

The free gigs will take place at the Seel Street venue on 8-11 and 16-18 May, but booking online in advance is recommended as these shows tend to attract a full house.

There’s a tonne of research about the benefits of getting closer to nature, but if another case study is needed then look no further than Tree House Liverpool’s work at Newsham Park.

Against this leafy backdrop, the community group aims to empower people with a range of confidence-boosting activities, many of which are green in theme.

Regular events include gardening, tree planting, philosophy sessions and open-air yoga, as well as ‘wild play’ and raft making workshops for the youngsters.

Not only do attendees get to enjoy some fresh air, they have the opportunity to engage with others, make a positive impression on communal green space and learn new skills in the process.

“The therapeutic potential of arts and crafts is already well documented.”

“There’s a tonne of research about the benefits of getting closer to nature.”

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p41-48_p03-12 02/05/2017 17:05 Page 44

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NEWS

&

BURRITO BAR TO OPEN ON DALE STREET THIS SUMMER A new Mexican restaurant is opening on Dale Street in Liverpool city centre this summer.

Changos Burrito Bar will launch at the site of the former Sayers bakery in the Queen Insurance Buildings in early June.

The eatery, which has a branch in Manchester city centre, offers a range of burritos alongside classic sides such as nachos and bottles of the popular Mexican soft drink ‘Jarritos’.

Changos revealed its plans to expand into Liverpool late last year, seeking the go-ahead to add a mezzanine floor and an outdoor seating area to the former Sayers premises.

THE MERCHANT TO HOLD FOOD-THEMED WEEKEND The Merchant is holding a food-themed celebration to mark the spring bank holiday weekend.

Bank Holiday Food Fight will take place from 26 to 28 May, including live music, DJ sets and pop-up restaurants.

The celebration will kick off on the Friday with the first birthday of Nightcrawler Pizza, during which 1,000 free slices will be given away while live hip hop acts and DJs perform.

On the Saturday, pop-up eatery SKAUS will serve up Nordic BBQ and DJ sets will continue into the night.

The event will conclude on Sunday when Eat New York brings its authentic American street food to The Merchant.

CASTLE ST TOWNHOUSE UNVEILS ‘ECLECTIC DINNER’ CONCEPT Castle St Townhouse has expanded its food offering with the introduction of an ‘eclectic dinner’ concept.

The revamped menu includes appetisers such as Chicken Liver Parfait with Toasted Rye Bread & House Chutney and Twice Baked Soufflé with Cheddar & Wholegrain Mustard Sauce.

New mains include Townhouse Chateaubriand, Hake Fillet with Spinach Hash, and Roasted Wild Mushroom Orzo with Basil Oil. The launch of the dinner menu coincides with the appointment of Robert Andrew Scott as the new general manager of Castle St Townhouse.

PHO Bold Street, L1 As a lover of Asian cuisine, and anything with noodles for that matter, I couldn’t believe my luck when I was invited along to Bold Street’s newest addition Pho. Already making a storm on social media with its Instagram-worthy dishes, Pho offers a selection of Vietnamese specialities but emphasis is, unsurprisingly, focused on pho - Vietnam’s national dish.

My stomach rumbled as my dinner date and I were seated and my senses were overcome by the aromatic smells coming from the kitchen. These were no doubt a result of the many broths prepared on site, providing the flavoursome soup bases.

We were offered a serving of prawn crackers with a sweet chilli dip as we familiarised ourselves with the menu. Intrigued by the sound of the Rose Apple Bellini (£6.50) we ordered one each and were pleasantly surprised by the refreshing blend of prosecco and Táo Mèo, a Vietnamese rose apple liquor.

To start, we ordered pork cha giò (£5.45) - crispy spring rolls served with a choice of two dips – and feeling very much in the spirit of Vietnam we settled on the nuoc châm dip, a chilli infused sauce that complemented the spring rolls nicely.

With just one spring roll

REVIEW BY LYDIA CONNOLLY left we were slightly embarrassed when our waiter informed us that the best way to eat cha giò is by first wrapping them in the lettuce leaves we initially thought were on the plate for presentation.

Making the most of the remaining roll I heeded the advice and agreed that the lettuce added a crisp freshness to the deep fried starter.

When it came to the main course I couldn’t resist the sound of the house special pho bò nâm trúng (£10.25); a rice noodle soup filled with brisket, enoki and button mushrooms and creamy egg yolk.

My dinner date however strayed away from the pho options and instead plumped for chicken bún (£8.75), a vermicelli noodle dish served with fresh herbs, beansprouts, a vegetable spring roll and peanuts.

My pho was definitely a hands-on experience. Served alongside your bowl of noodle soup is a selection of fresh herbs that you’re advised to add to it to accommodate your taste. I added generous amounts of fresh chilli, bean sprouts and Vietnamese parsley to give a kick to my beef broth.

The flavours were wonderful and

experimenting with the many herbs and Vietnamese sauces available on the table allowed me to create a dish that was tailored specifically for me.

My dinner date’s bún journey was slightly less impressive. While she initially enjoyed the dish, it wasn’t long before the spices had the better of her and, much to her disappointment, she quickly lost the battle with her bowl of noodles.

I must add that she was given an option of a plain or spicy bún but, in hindsight, the level of heat was definitely underestimated.

Both defeated by our main course we made the decision to pass over the dessert menu, although on my next visit I’m eager to try the bánh sô-cô-la truffle - a chocolate truffle slab served with green tea ice cream.

Although a national chain, Pho’s style and décor fits in seamlessly with Bold Street’s independent offerings and I was pleased to discover that the graffiti lining the walls was painted by local artist Leimai Lemaow.

This fusion of local work with Vietnamese tradition will do well in Bold Street’s melting pot of restaurants, serving up dishes from across the globe.

YOURMOVEMAGAZINE COM for more local restaurant reviews Your Move 45

p41-48_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:13 Page 46

STREETLIFE POP ART LEGEND & DANCE MUSIC HERO HONOURED Photo: Dave Thompson

/ PA Wire

Photo: Anthony Mooney

YOUR FORTNIGHTLY ROUND-UP OF LIVERPOOL’S ENTERTAINMENT

Highlights MAY

iconic cover for The Sir Peter Blake, creator of the made a Citizen of was m albu Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’ al Liver Building.

Roy Honour in a ceremony at the

Meanwhile at Liverpool Cathedral, the man behind superclub Cream, James Barton, was given the same award recognising his contribution to the city.

BLUECOAT AT

5

-

7

Southport Festival

6

-

7

Steam on the Dock

The Atkinson There’s something for everyone as the seaside town comes alive with culture. Expect music, literature, comedy and live performances aplenty.

Albert Dock The UK’s only inner-city steam rally returns to Albert Dock with over 30 steam engines, boats and even a train on hand to entertain families across the weekend.

8

Bob Dylan and His Band

Echo Arena Liverpool The legendary singer-songwriter and now Nobel Prize winner comes to town in support of his critically acclaimed 37th studio album, ‘Fallen Angels’.

9 -27

Billy Elliot the Musical

Liverpool Empire After 11 years on London’s West End, the toetapping musical heads to Liverpool as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour.

300th anniversary Bluecoat continued its dover of historic han the h wit ns celebratio rsity of Liverpool. ive Un the to architecture plans

Students from Studio Two of the School of Architecture have spent time developing a series of designs and models which can be viewed at Bluecoat until 18 June.

COMING SOON GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS EXHIBITION

10

Procol Harum

12

WoWFest 2017: Punk Survivors

13

2017 Liverpool Improvathon

14

LOOK/17: Shaping The City

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Still led by founder and vocalist Gary Brooker, the veteran prog-rockers mark 50 years since the release of ‘A Whiter Shade Of Pale’ with a celebratory show.

LEAF Forty years on from the birth of punk, WowFest brings together survivors of music’s biggest revolution for a debate, including Crass co-founder Steve Ignorant and video-chronicler of The Clash, Don Letts.

Invisible Wind Factory For the eighth year, the guys at Impropriety are back again with a staggering 2,017 minutes (33 hours and 37 minutes) of improvised comedy soap opera - all set in outer space.

Tate Liverpool Renowned artist and Liverpool-native John Davies presents photographs which focus on evolving urban landscapes as part of the Liverpool International Photography Festival.

Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone

18 In Concert

tographs of the A new exhibition featuring pho n at the Museum ope will p grou eat seyb popular Mer ary 2018.

Janu 7 to July 14 of Liverpool from

‘Gerry and the Pacemakers: Hit Makers and Record Breakers’ includes images of the band perfor ming at the Cavern Club and meeting Cilla Black .

Echo Arena Liverpool Experience the first instalment of this much-loved film franchise in high-definition on a giant screen while hearing a full live orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score.

p41-48_p03-12 02/05/2017 14:13 Page 47

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