The 20-minute neighbourhood is more important than ever, says local developer

HC Developments is all about delivering high quality, well specified homes at sensible prices – in places people are especially keen to live, such as Altrincham, Wilmslow, Mossley, Lees and Heywood.

An important part of the company’s philosophy is that the schemes all meet the criteria of the 20-minute neighbourhood.

It means the developments are close to shops, schools, amenities, recreation, public transport and employment hubs – something which is more important now than ever as so many of us are working from (and staying close to) home.

Since joining HC Developments in 2017, development director Justin Molloy has delivered over 250 new homes across the north west – and he’s passionate about building sustainable communities as well as homes.

“The idea is that we should be able to reach every aspect of our life, whether that’s social, healthcare, exercise or open spaces, within a 20 minute walk or cycle ride from where we live,” says Justin.

“If everyone has to get into a car to access those things, it diminishes the sense of community.”

The homes offered by HC Developments vary from one bed apartments in a converted Chapel in Frodsham for £115,000, three bed mews homes in Heywood for £200k up to three bed live/work townhouses off The Downs in Altrincham for £625k and three bed apartments in a converted Victorian mansion in Wilmslow for £725,000.  

All of the developments are bespoke and the homes are designed to complement the immediate area, with a focus on what people really want.

“Every time you walk through the front door of an HC Developments house you would recognise it as a different child of the same parents,” says Justin.

“We think very hard about the target market. 

“Who’s going to live in this house, and how are they going to want to use the space? It’s not just a question of four walls.

“We tend to look at open living spaces with a separate retreat space, with high quality fixtures and finishings. 

“We think about where TVs are going to go, and where the power points should go. We include USB sockets in every room.”

And each home also comes equipped with a huge range of desirable features ‘as standard’ which many homebuilders would charge extra for – from designer kitchens with fully integrated appliances to wet room style en-suite bathrooms.

The Chambers is a project Justin is particularly passionate about.

Situated in the central retail district, the property offers a rare opportunity to live within a unique heritage asset right in the heart of Manchester city centre.

The Chambers’ fourteen luxurious apartments have been created within the upper floors of three adjoining historic buildings on Chapel Walks, with original features such as exposed roof beams, vaulted ceilings and period windows retained and painstakingly restored. 

Chapel Walks, just off Cross Street, is a stone’s throw from Selfridges and Harvey Nichols and the luxurious designer boutiques, glamourous bars and restaurants of King Street and Spinningfields. 

The Royal Exchange Theatre, The Printworks, The Bridgewater Hall and the Manchester Art Gallery are all within easy walking distance, as is Manchester Victoria and the Metrolink at Exchange Square, easily connecting you with MediaCityUK and Manchester Piccadilly. 

“It’s a character building right in the heart of the city. It’s close to retail, it’s close to culture, and it’s close to transport,” says Justin.

How’s that for a 20-minute neighbourhood?

You can find out more about HC Developments properties including The Chambers, or book a virtual appointment, by clicking the button below.