Breaking Property News – 05/10/2023
Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.
Fine & Country Foundation opens Autumn Grant Programme for charitable nominations
The Fine & Country Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its Autumn Grant Programme, set to begin accepting applications on 1 October 2023. This highly anticipated initiative is a significant milestone in The Foundation’s calendar, providing a vital opportunity for local homeless charities to secure essential funding. Following the success of last year, where over £80,000 was awarded to charities both in the UK and overseas through two rounds of the Grant Programme, the organisation aims to surpass this total in 2023.
The Fine & Country Foundation’s Autumn Grant Scheme represents a crucial opportunity for the network to nominate charities and non-profit organisations in the UK and abroad in need of financial support. In the face of the current economic instability and the increasing pressures felt across the nation, this year’s Autumn Grants have the potential to make a more significant impact than ever before.
Jon Cooke, Trustee of the Fine & Country Foundation, emphasised the Grant Scheme’s focus on providing financial support to non-profit organisations, particularly those dedicated to combating homelessness and poverty. Cooke stated, “Grants are issued in Spring and Autumn, with Fine & Country offices worldwide encouraged to submit applications nominating a charity of their choice to receive a donation of up to £3,000. These proposals undergo rigorous review by The Foundation’s board, and successful projects are awarded grants. The financial assistance provided to these charities will supply much-needed funds to continue their vital work within their communities.”
Cooke expressed gratitude to the Fine & Country network, its partners, and customers for their unwavering support. He said, “Fine & Country agents work tirelessly throughout the year to secure donations in support of The Foundation and its efforts to combat homelessness and poverty. The network continually devises creative fundraising initiatives, including Tough Mudders, skydives, and even a swim across the English Channel, to name a few. The support The Foundation provides would not be possible without the incredible dedication of the Fine & Country network.”
Cooke acknowledged that, with the cost-of-living crisis placing added financial strain on many charitable organisations, the Grant Scheme could serve as a lifeline during this period of uncertainty. He remarked, “It’s undeniable that many non-profit organisations are feeling the impact of rising expenses, which, in turn, may affect their ability to carry out their critical work effectively. While a grant may not solve all their challenges, we hope it will set them in the right direction and have a positive impact on their local communities.”
The Fine & Country Foundation supports issues of homelessness and poverty prevention. Formed in 2014, The Foundation has grown to see donations of more than £860,000. Fine & Country offices contribute to The Foundation through regular giving, including donating part of their commission, as well as through a variety of events. The donations are distributed to homeless charities chosen by Fine & Country agents or through The Foundation grant programme which is open in March and October each year.
VALOURAN ANNOUNCES NEW LONDON SITE ON THE BISHOPS AVENUE
Valouran, the global pioneering property developer and placemaker, today announces that it has secured development financing to restore Oak Lodge into a residential scheme of 30 apartments. Located on The Bishops Avenue, the site spans 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens, with works scheduled to commence on site in Q4 2023.
Demonstrating an unwavering confidence in London as a world-class global city, this news follows the company’s launch in June and subsequent announcement of its inaugural site, The Chapel in St. Johns Wood.
Co-founder of Valouran, Alex Michelin comments: “We are proud to have arranged a comprehensive development financing package during a challenging capital raising market. Our sensitive, design and heritage-led approach was incredibly well-received by the local planning authority, with consent granted in record time under delegated powers. With works commencing later this year, we look forward to completion in 2026.”
The development, which spans a one-hectare site, will retain and restore the existing heritage asset, putting the high-quality Arts and Crafts inspired landscaping at the heart of its design, with a focus on native species of high ecological value. The meticulously planned site will include a central courtyard, communal paths, soft landscaping, and the formation of secondary access to The Bishops Avenue. The project will also boast ancillary amenities including a sunken courtyard garden, gym, pool and spa facilities, along with basement cycle and car parking.
Together with Valouran, architectural practice Pilbrow + Partners have taken inspiration from the Hampstead Garden Suburb to design a multi-unit venture set across three buildings. Situated in one of the capital’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, the construction will consist of a mixture of lateral, duplex and penthouse residences ranging in size from two to four bedrooms.
With sustainability a key pillar of the business, Valouran will strive to ensure the development represents a sustainable footprint for the future of The Bishops Avenue. Through measures such as limited tree removals supplemented by replacement tree planting and improved boundary treatment for the road, the company has an ambitious commitment to achieving biodiversity net gain.
For those unaware, Valouran is a pioneering property developer and placemaker combining passion for design and deep financial expertise with an unrivalled knowledge of the residential market. Using this rare combination of skills, the company delivers best-in-class, sustainable residential developments in central London’s most desirable locations. Driven by a relentless pursuit for excellence, Valouran creates value by developing not just assets, but buildings of timeless elegance – beautiful homes which enhance the surrounding natural environment, that people will want to live in for a lifetime.
Andrew Stanton Executive Editor – moving property and proptech forward. PropTech-X
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