Laurieston Living Archives - Page 5 of 16 - Urban Union Ltd

Category: Laurieston Living

Tips for Safe Garden Gatherings

From Friday, six people from six different households can meet outside. After nearly a year of being put in and out of restrictions and lockdown, and for much of it being unable to see or socialise with our friends and family, many of us are excited at the prospect of getting back to normal.

With the news that we can meet in private gardens, it’s important to ensure that you and your guests stay safe.

Seating

Even though you’ll be outside, it’s still important to keep a safe distance of two metres from your guests or host. This is easy to do when setting out the seating and is especially important if your guests are all from different households. It’s also important that your guests stay in the one chair, so ensure you communicate this.
Before guests arrive, give chairs and the table a clean and repeat this once your guests have left.

Masks

The government guidelines state that you can enter the property to use the bathroom and can walk through the home to access the garden if there is no side access. When doing so it’s important to wear a mask. Wear a mask when you arrive or greet your guests. Masks outside aren’t mandatory but it’s good to get into the habit of wearing them when you get up from your chair.

Provide hand sanitiser

If guests are unable to wash their hands with soap and water, make sure you have hand sanitiser at the table for them to use regularly.

Food and drink

If you want to minimise the risks then how about people bring their own food in containers – whether it’s picnic food or something to put on the BBQ it will prevent guests worrying about how food is handled.

 

A new addition to the team

We are delighted to announce that we are strengthening our team with a new appointment to the Commercial Department. Ewan Boyd will join Urban Union’s head office in Glasgow, in his new role as senior quantity surveyor.

Ewan brings with him over 15 years’ experience in the construction industry having most recently worked as Commercial Manager for All Saints Construction across Scotland, and Surveying Manager for CALA Homes East. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the construction industry, team management, risk identification and reduction, land viability, contract procurement and commercial oversight.

Laurence Millar, Commercial Manager for Urban Union said: “We are delighted to welcome Ewan to the Urban Union team, at a time when we are working on several new projects. As a business with big ambitions for delivery and growth, Ewan will play a major role in Urban Union’s journey going forward and we look forward to seeing him develop with us.

Speaking on his new role, Ewan Boyd, Senior Quantity Surveyor for Urban Union added: “I’m hugely excited to be working with Urban Union, their award-winning work speaks for itself and I am eager to help the business to achieve and expand their aims.

“It is the right time for me to take on a new challenge and I am looking forward to working with the Commercial Department and regenerate communities across Scotland”

At present, we have three active developments in Scotland: Laurieston Living and Pollokshaws Living in Glasgow and Pennywell Living in Edinburgh. Discover more. 

Phase 3 Laurieston Living

Laurieston Living is a vibrant new build residential development providing 349 new homes.

The latest phase

Phase 3 builds on the established principles of diversity and design richness benefiting the residents as well as the city as a whole, showing a clear commitment to the local community south of the river and creating a new dynamic city quarter.

Urban Union, part of the Robertson Group, specialises in developing large-scale regeneration projects. We have a proven and award-winning background in creating new communities across Scotland including Pennywell Living in Edinburgh, Laurieston Living and Pollokshaws Living in Glasgow.

Creating communities

We don’t just build new homes. At the heart of our approach is an unrivalled commitment to creating communities. We achieve this by working in close partnership with local authorities, housing associations, community groups and residents.

Phase 3 builds on the success of earlier phases to promote Laurieston as a diverse urban living quarter. This ongoing commitment to high quality, crafted architecture, public realm and landscape that is connected to the local and wider context.

This phase of the development revitalises Norfolk Street and establishes Laurieston as characterful, vibrant and active. It enhances the quality of the built environment and further enhances the community that residents can be proud of. People are at the forefront of the design and this development links them to the bigger tapestry of the city.

Architecture

Architects Stallan-Brand have over 20 years’ experience in delivering prestigious projects locally and are keen proponents of the whole environment approach. They have a vast range of experience in community based projects and work from their site adjacent to Laurieston Living.

The architectural design aims include timeless quality, heritage and presence. Using a simple material palette allows for expression through fine detailing and the human scale of the architecture is promoted in elements such as the windows and entrances. The materials used are sympathetic to the surrounding area and this mix of dwellings includes terraced housing and apartment blocks. Internal spaces are bright and airy with a clear link to the street and garden. Some houses have been designed with a bespoke ground floor kitchen/ diner and a light top floor living space with adjacent roof terrace to spill out onto. All flatted dwellings have been designed with dual aspect living, all with large juliet balconies, some with corner windows or inset terraces overlooking the park.

Thresholds, buffers, boundaries and entrances have all been carefully considered and recessed entrances signal a threshold buffer between the front garden and street and the dwelling.

The wider area

The landscape proposals have been developed with the aim of creating a vibrant place to live and for life to thrive within the regenerating urban fabric of Laurieston. Fundamental to this are integrated, inclusive and useable areas within the wider community and the development.

This calm and natural environment that provides plenty of opportunities for residents to have direct contact with nature at their doorstep within an urban setting. There is a strong sense of place that emerges from and connects with the cultural, and the natural heritage of the site in close proximity to the Clyde.

Laurieston Living is a place for community interactions facilitating interactions between residents and the wider community, with moments that also allow for quietness and relaxation. It is interconnected to green spaces through the development, becoming home to diverse wildlife.

 

 

Purchasing a new home from Urban Union Ltd.

When you purchase a new home with Urban Union, the process is simple, easy to follow and we will guide you every step of the way. At present you can reserve one of the remaining one bedroom apartments at Muirton Living for just £99 with a sale price of £100,000 plus floor coverings included as an added incentive, making it move-in ready and an affordable option, especially for first time buyers.

Buying a home can be daunting but with Urban Union, once you reserve your new home it’s off the market and won’t be sold to anyone else during the reservation period. The reservation fee will also be deducted from any balance due at legal completion.

For many people it’s the first time they have had to consider everything that is involved. That’s why our Sales Advisors have been carefully selected and are highly trained to provide you with the highest standards of service possible. You will receive regular telephone calls to keep you up to date with progress and to advise what you/we need to do next to ensure agreed deadlines are met.

Here’s a brief week by week guide to how the purchasing process works.

Reservation day

Once you have reserved your property it’s time to appoint a solicitor to act on your behalf.

Within two days

Talk to a mortgage advisor and submit your mortgage application – remember to provide this to information to your Sales Advisor.

Your lender will instruct a Surveyor to inspect your new home and carry out a valuation for the mortgage lender for the purposes of your mortgage.

Once everything has been checked you should receive a mortgage offer via your mortgage advisor or direct from the lender. Sign and return the agreement.

Within two weeks

Solicitors for Urban Union will forward the offer to your Solicitor. You should then meet with your Mortgage Advisor and take with you the following for each person who is buying the property:

  1. A copy of your UK driving licence or full UK passport showing your signature.
  2. Details of your place of residence for the past five years together with a Council Tax bill, bank statement and utility bill.
  3. Your P60 and original pay slips for the past three months. N.B If you have been employed with your current company for less than three years you will need to supply the name and address of your previous employer(s).
  4. If you already have a mortgage you will need to supply the name and address of the mortgage lenders together with your account number and last mortgage statement.
  5. If you are currently living in rented accommodation you will need to provide the name and address of your landlord together with a rent book, where applicable.
  6. If you currently have any hire purchase agreements, you will need to provide details of the agreements. You may also be required to provide a copy of the original loan agreement and proof that all payments have been made.
  7. Certain personal details will be required such as your National Insurance Number, your tax code and tax office.
  8. Payment of the survey fee may be required.
  9. Your mortgage lender will carry out credit checks on your financial status over the past five years and it is therefore imperative that you advise your Mortgage Advisor if you have been in arrears on any financial commitment, including mortgage, council tax, HP agreements etc.

Within one week

Your Solicitor should have concluded missives for your purchase and have paid any balance of the deposit.

Please note, the conclusion of missives deadline periods may vary according to the reservation conditions.

Congratulations! – You have concluded missives on your brand new Urban Union home!

 

 

2021 – The year of working from home!

Last year was challenging for most of us, but with the vaccine rollout in full force, we could soon start to get back some much-needed normality. One of the changes that many of us have experienced is home working – either full or part time – and it appears that many people will continue to work from home especially as we have all adapted to this way of working. Zoom meetings have replaced in-person meetings and people are able to work longer hours when not having to travel to and from work. Many companies have now embraced the benefits to both themselves and their employees in allowing staff members to work from home either full or part time.

As a result of this change in lifestyle, demand for homes with an extra bedroom are in high demand and many people are looking for ways to create a home office within their home. Recent reports stated that having a home office shed in your garden can boost the value of your home by as much as £12,000.

A place to work

It’s important to set up a quiet dedicated area otherwise you could find it’s a difficult balance trying to cut off from your personal life when in the home.

Think carefully about an area to set aside for home working. Some people work well with the radio or television on and some need complete quiet. If you have space restrictions then look at the space you do have – could you clear an area on your dining table, use a dressing or console table, clear out the under stairs area or even transform your shed? Anywhere could be a possibility as long as it makes you feel comfortable and the space is functional.

Furniture and office equipment

Make sure that you pay attention to a good office chair that is both comfortable and comfortable. You’ll be spending hours sitting on it and you need to take care of your posture to avoid any problems in the future. Look also at where you position your printer, computer screen and anything else you may need. If you have a laptop, consider getting a monitor so that you are looking ahead rather than downwards to avoid putting pressure on your neck and spine. This may help you to calculate the correct height of your desk and chair: https://www.blitzresults.com/gb/ergonomic/. Make sure you also have all the office equipment you need along with suitable storage so that the area can be left clean and tidy.

Give your area some personality

One of the best things about working from home is that you can personalize the space without any restrictions! Use your favourite photographs and pictures, add colourful plants, or go crazy on cushions and colours – there is no office policy other than yours.

Lighting

It’s essential that your space is well-lit to avoid straining your eyes if you are doing anything off-line. Use a good quality lamp and if you have natural light try and maximise this.

Keep it tidy

Tidy work area, tidy mind! Make sure you clear away any cables using the DIY solutions available and make sure all paperwork is tidy and use paper trays to organise your documents. There are also some very small and compact filing cabinets available.

Setting up a home office doesn’t need to be daunting or expensive especially as it could be temporary.

 

Choices and Selections – Home Décor

Your Urban Union home already has a superb specification as noted in our site-specific brochure, but we recognise that you may wish to personalise your new home. Subject to the construction stage and type of property you are buying, it may be possible for you to choose certain items to be included within your new Urban Union home.

Take a look at these interior design trends that are reshaping homes this year – perhaps it will help you decide how your new home could look.

Following the pandemic, we have all spent much more time in our homes and as a result, the interior trends for 2021 appear to be about creating a comfortable, peaceful and relaxed home that mixes modern and vintage whilst layering textures. One area that homeowners appear to be focused on more than ever, is our outside space.

With restrictions easing in the next month, we will be able to have friends and family in our gardens – and with many people working from home for the foreseeable future, outside offices are more popular than ever.

Comfort

Homeowners are spending time creating a space that enables us to escape the outside world. Layers of soft, natural textures are an easy trend that we can all incorporate into our home decor. Using different types of natural textures and materials in shades of the same colour will add personality and character to a room without overwhelming the room.

Natural organic colour pigments are at the heart of this trend with cool blues and greys mixed with warmer pinks and cream, using soft fabrics such as velvet, faux fur, natural sisal and wool. A great way to incorporate this theme is to include blankets, throws, cushions and rugs. In addition, accessories made from rope, string or twine can add a natural element to your home.

Flowers

A popular trend for this year is the use of dried flowers to decorate the home, making a change from green and vibrant houseplants, which are still as fashionable. Dried flowers last longer and require no maintenance. Many florists now offer dried flowers as a bouquet option.

Earthy colours

A natural palette is set to be a big trend this year. Earthy toned pigments are proving popular when it comes to selecting a bold shade for an accent wall, furniture, flooring or splashbacks. Dark greens, blues and teals make statement even when used in a subtle way. You can choose just one part of the room decor such as a wall, a rug or sofa cushions.

#Cottagecore

Cottagecore is a trend that is sweeping social media. It sums up a homely look for with traditional touches, such as parquet flooring, exposed beams and bare brick. Add charm with vintage pieces and gold or brass accessories.

Natural light

Homes filled with natural light appear spacious and desirable. Homeowners are looking for more ways to introduce natural light into their homes to brighten up the darkest corners of your home. Open-plan living spaces can enhance the natural light and roof windows are also popular especially in a home office.

Take a look at our Developments. 

Edinburgh and Glasgow Among Best Cities to Raise a Family

When you’re raising a family it’s important to choose a place to live that can facilitate all aspects of family life. From finance and healthcare to childcare and schooling, the city in which we live can have a huge impact on the quality of our life and that of our children.

A new study from CIA Landlord looked at the best cities to raise a family by analysing aspects that are important to parents. These included the cost of property or rent, childcare and household bills. It also looked at the number of local schools, crime levels, local attractions, pollution index, the general cost of bills and general quality of life. The cities were ranked based on these metrics to determine which city was the best location for raising a family.

Globally Helskinki ranked top as the healthiest place to raise a family, with low rents and a high happiness score. In terms of raising a family and place in which to relocate, Reykjavik ranked top as the best global city.

Here in the UK, top of the ranking was Belfast – using the metrics of quality of life, crime rate index, number of outdoor activities, number of local schools, cost of monthly childcare and cost of monthly rent. In the top ten four of the cities were here in Scotland including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen. In fact, if the levels of crime are a main concern for you as a family, Edinburgh ranked third as the safest place to raise a family.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh ranked as the sixth best place for families to live in the UK with 476 local attractions, 141 local schools and the cost of renting a three-bedroom apartment standing at £1,517.68. The cost of childcare in Edinburgh averaged at £812.50 and the cost of Monthly bills is £143.85.

Glasgow

Glasgow ranked eighth in the top 10 UK cities with 402 local attractions, rent of a three-bedroom apartment £1,142.05, 187 local schools, childcare costs of £675.04 per month, and monthly bills at £113.30.

If you’re considering a new home to raise a family in Glasgow or Edinburgh, take a look at our current developments including Pennywell Living in Edinburgh, Pollokshaws Living in the southside of Glasgow and Laurieston Living in Glasgow city centre.

 

Finalist at the Scottish Property Awards 2021 – Laurieston Living

We are delighted to announce that we are a finalist for ‘Regeneration Project of the Year’ for our Laurieston Living development in Glasgow at this year’s Scottish Property Awards.

Now in its 8th year, the Scottish Property Awards aims to recognise the best new commercial and public buildings in Scotland. It is an independent awards programme which recognises and rewards achievement in real estate development. An independent panel of experts are drawn from across the property sector, bringing together an unrivalled level of market knowledge and industry experience.

This national competition received entries from over 50 businesses dedicated to positive change and property development in Scotland.

There are 15 categories in total, all of which showcase newly developed buildings for public and commercial use. Despite the global pandemic there has been a strong level of business in the construction industry over the last 12 months and the entries featured hospitals, schools, offices, community centres and regeneration sites, including those developed by Urban Union. Over the last year there have been many achievements in Scottish real estate – all of which have shown resilience and commitment in the face of the national pandemic, and these awards intend to highlight them.

The Digital Awards Broadcast takes place on Thursday 25th March at 6.30pm and these live awards will be staged and presented from Glasgow, hosted by Des Clarke, with appearances via live video links from sponsors and winners as they are announced throughout the night.

Urban Union specialises in the successful delivery of large-scale regeneration projects. Part of Robertson Group, the company has a proven and award-winning pedigree in creating new communities across Scotland.

We are currently delivering three developments – Pennywell Living in Edinburgh, Laurieston Living and Pollokshaws Living in Glasgow.

At the heart of our approach is an unrivalled commitment to creating communities, not simply building new homes. This is achieved by working in close partnership with local authorities, housing associations, community groups and residents.

We are also dedicated to ensuring opportunities for people living in the areas in which it operates, supporting targeted recruitment and providing training opportunities.

Make your house a home The right amount of style, comfort and convenience within a vibrant community can create a truly inspirational home. One of the great benefits of buying a newly built home is that you have a blank canvas on which to make your mark. There’s no bett read more

National Apprenticeship Week 7 – 14 Feb Creating opportunities for young people is a key aim for Urban Union across all our sites and we are extremely proud of all our apprentices. Jimmy Callaghan & Jake Clark – Laurieston Living Last year we ran a very read more