Euromarina Review - Issue 7, 2009

At a time when many property companies are only just keeping their heads above water, niche developer Floating Concepts Ltd is going against the tide by making two new senior appointments to strengthen its existing team.

American Architect Jonathan Baker (40) joins the Board to oversee design issues and to develop and expand the company's own design concepts.  These include its floating homes, hotels, offices, student houseboats and affordable 'buy-to-let' concepts.

Baker, who cut his teeth on designing floating structures in Denmark, is one of the world's elite group of 'aquatects' - architects who have not only designed floating structures, but have seen them built, floated and occupied.  "I am looking forward to applying this wealth of experience I have amassed in designing residential floating communities to Denmark to the UK," says Baker, who has 19 to his name so far.  "I see enormous opportunities both for the regeneration of the UK's many redundant docks and harbours as well as bringing forward imaginative, but realistic solutions to the flood threat arising from climate change."

Jane Wilby-Palmer (28), who holds a law degree and has a legal and commercial property background, will head administration with particularly responsibility for legal matters.  A passionate advocate for eco-living, Jane sees her appointment as "an exciting opportunity to be involved with a company with an environmental conscience producing low-impact, sustainable floating structures, as well as pioneering innovative solutions to deal with the consequences of climate change".

Floating Concepts CEO David Beard is up-beat about his unique property venture despite the downturn in the economy.  "The recession has been a fantastic opportunity for us to take up the lead position in a new emerging market," says Beard.  "Blue-field sites - once a hitherto unrecognised, national resource, are as valid a development medium as their brown and green-field sisters.  Jonathan will bring a global perspective to the company's activities whilst Jane will co-ordinate all aspects of the business.  These latest appointments will take our management resources up to the next level when I expect to recapitalise the company to achieve the sort of explosive growth that will guarantee market dominance from a 2010/2013 recovery onwards."

Beard has over 30 years experience in property development in the UK and was part of the syndicate of investors involved in the early regeneration of Liverpool South Docks in the 1980s.  He now owns the 350-berth Liverpool Marina and his last land-based project was the £million Citygate complex in Manchester.

On the 4th December 2009, under a scorching blue Caribbean sky, David Beard, CEO and Jane Wilby-Palmer, Business Development Manager from Floating Concepts visited Marva Titley-Smith, the Chief Planning Officer for the British Virgin Islands at her offices in Tortola.  They were particularly keen to promote the idea of holiday homes and Floating Concept's exclusive floating hotel and spa concepts.

"The the sustainable nature of the company's floating structures creates a very low environmental impact which makes them ideally suited to ecologically sensitive areas such as the British Virgin Islands," said Jane Wilby-Palmer. "It is an idea that would boost tourism and promote the sense of freedom one gets from living on the water."

Whilst the Planning Officer was keen to encourage new initiatives and development which would reinforce tourism, it became clear that the biggest challenge to overcome is the increasing incidence and severity of hurricanes and the very limited number of safe refuges in the region.  For that reason, the conclusion was that Floating Concept's ambitions would probably more easily realisable in more temperate climes.

Architect Jonathan Baker joins the board to oversee design issues, while Jane Wilby-Palmer will head administration with particular responsibility for legal matters.

To view the article online, please click here.

The Wilmslow Express and the Macclesfield Express

To view the original article, please download the pdf at the bottom of this page.

Crain's Manchester Business Magazine

Wilmslow-based property developer Floating Concepts has appointed American architect Jonathan Baker to its board to oversee design issues and develop new concepts.

Jane Wilby-Palmer, who holds a law degree and has a legal and commercial property background, will head administration with particular responsibility for legal matters.

 23rd November 2009

PropertyMall.com

Floating Concepts developer strengthes team.

At a time when many property companies are only just keeping their heads above water, niche developer 'Floating Concepts' is bucking the trend by making two new senior appointments to strengthen its existing team.

American architect Jonathan Baker (40) joins the Board to oversee design issues and to develop and expand the company's own design concepts. These include its floating homes, hotels, offices, student houseboats and affordable 'buy-to-let' concepts.

Baker, who cut his teeth on designing floating structures in Denmark, is one of the world's elite group of 'aquatects' - architects who have not only designed floating structures, but have seen them built, floated and occupied. "I am looking forward to applying the wealth of experience I have amassed in designing residential floating communities in Denmark to the UK," says Baker who has 19 to his name to date. "I see enormous opportunities both for the regeneration of the UK's many redundant docks and harbours as well as bringing forward imaginative, but realistic solutions to the flood threat arising from climate change."

Jane Wilby-Palmer (28), who holds a law degree and has a legal and commercial property background, will head administration with particular responsibility for legal matters.

A passionate advocate for eco-living, Jane sees her appointment as "an exciting opportunity to be involved with a company with an environmental conscience producing low-impact, sustainable floating structures, as well as pioneering innovative solutions to deal with the consequences of climate change."

Floating Concepts CEO David Beard is up-beat about his unique property venture despite the downturn in the economy. "The recession has been a fantastic opportunity for us to take up the lead position in a new emerging market," says Beard. "Blue-field sites - once a hitherto unrecognised, national resource, are as valid a development medium as their brown and green-field sisters.

Jonathan will bring a global perspective to the company's activities whilst Jane will co-ordinate all aspects of the business," adds Beard. "These latest appointments will take our management resources up to the next level when I expect to recapitalise the company to achieve the sort of explosive growth that will guarantee market dominance from a 2010/2013 recovery onwards."

Beard has over 30 years experience in property development in the UK and was part of the syndicate of investors involved in the early regeneration of Liverpool South Docks in the 1980's. He now owns the 350 berth Liverpool Marina and his last land based project was the £60 million Citygate complex in Manchester.

To view the original article, please click here.

For further information about Floating Concepts, please contact Jane Wilby-Palmer on 01625 400 802.

Floating Concepts, a Manchester-based company promoting such developments, this month installed its first "show boat" in Coburg Dock, Liverpool, north-west England, ahead of a planned scheme, and is seeking a 150-year lease on 4.5 acres of Salford Quays, Manchester, on which to build a modular houseboat-style, mixed-use scheme.  Floating homes are similarly under consideration as part of plans by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.

"Floating homes or houseboats seem a much better use of redundant docklands than filling them in and building on them," argues David Beard, Floating Concepts' Chief Executive.  "It is still a radical idea to some.  It's building on water.  You just need a different kind of foundation."

6th September 2009 - The Financial Times

A luxury floating home which a Wilmslow-based developer hopes will create a wave of demand for water-based communities made its first appearance in the UK today.

The two-storey, penthouse-style home was lowered into the Port of Liverpool by crane after being towed from Denmark, where it was built.

September 2009 - Boating Business Online Edition

A renowned North West-based waterspace developer which is pioneering ‘waterborne living’ will sail its latest creative concept into Liverpool Marina on Tuesday 3^rd August.

Floating Concepts is set to launch the UK’s first luxury floating home - which will be moved into position with the help of The Port of Liverpool’s Mammoth crane.

The arrival of the floating home is the first step in creating a network of waterbourne communities, which will one day include luxury homes, businesses, retail and leisure facilities, offering a practical solution to the modern day issues of urban congestion, land shortages and flood risk due to global warming.

Finished to a high specification the penthouse style home boasts a generous 1100 sq ft of living space and sumptuous interior, including under floor-heating and an exquisitely designed bathroom and kitchen. The home also incorporates a number of green credentials, including geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, provision for rain water harvesting and sustainable materials.

Chief executive of Floating Concepts, David Beard, commented: “Floating homes pioneer a common sense approach to the issues faced by conventional developers. Our aim is to focus the property industry on regenerating waterspace, helping developers, landowners and the public sector maximise the potential of ‘Bluefield’ land.”

“I am confident that waterbourne living will bring new life to existing waterspace and provide exciting environments which are perfect for 21^st century living.”

Floating Concepts has worked closely with The Port of Liverpool and Peel Holdings to arrange the transportation and mooring of this revolutionary living concept.

Steve Hardcastle, harbourmaster at Liverpool Port said: “Liverpool Marina boasts an extremely well equipped port, with the capacity to deal with unusual cargo. We’re really pleased to be working alongside Floating Concepts and are delighted that it has chosen Liverpool Docks to exhibit its revolutionary housing idea”.

If you are interested in visiting the UK’s first luxury floating home, please contact Jane Wilby-Palmer 01625 400802 office@floatingconcepts.co.uk or alternatively head to Liverpool Marina, for a closer look. 

Floating Home arrives in Liverpool.

Floating Concepts, a Wilmslow-based water-borne developer, is launching (sorry) its latest creative concept, the UK's first luxury floating home, this week at Liverpool Marina.

"I am confident that water-borne living will bring new life to existing water space and provide exciting environments which are perfect for twenty-first century living." 

The Port of Liverpool's mammoth crane will be used to move the houseboat into position on the marina.

Floating Concepts envisage this as the first step in creating a network of water-borne communities which will, one day, include luxury homes, businesses, retail and leisure facilities.  It sees this as a solution to the issues of urban congestion, land shortage and flood risk from global warming.

Chief Executive of Floating Concepts, David Beard, commented: "Floating homes pioneer a common sense approach to the issues faced by conventional developers.  Our aim is to focus the property industry on regenerating water space, helping developers, landowners and the public sector maximise the potential of 'blue field' land.  I am confident that water-borne living will bring new life to existing water space and provide exciting environments which are perfect for twenty-first century living."

The houseboat has 1,100 square feet of living space and is finished to a high standard with under-floor heating and a high specification bathroom and kitchen.

Sustainability is a key issue and the home incorporates heat pumps, solar panels and provision for rain water harvesting.  Steve Hardcastle, harbourmaster at the Port of Liverpool, said: "Liverpool Marina boasts an extremely well equipped port, with the capacity to deal with unusual cargo.  We're really pleased to be working alongside Floating Concepts and are delighted that it has chosen Liverpool docks to exhibit its revolutionary housing idea."

David Beard has over 30 years in property development and was part of the syndicate of investors that led the regeneration of Liverpool south docks.  He now intends to concentrate on water-based developments.

Most people will assume that the floating homes will be able to sail off into the sunset.  However, these dwellings have no method of self propulsion and occupy a permanent berth.  They are connected to all utilities and services and, regrettably are subject to council and property taxes.

5th August 2009 - PropertyConfidential.com

£300,000 pad dropped by crane into marina.

A new kind of home made a splash in the city when it was lifted by crane from the River Mersey into Liverpool Marina.

The unusual spectacle stopped traffic and drew crowds as the floating home, described as "penthouse style" and the first of its kind in the country, was craned from the river, over the Kings Parade road and into the water of Queen's Dock on the other side.

It was a meticulous operation which even had to take into account the time of the buses due along the parade.

Specialist equipment, including a floating crane from the Port of Liverpool, was brought in to lift the 80-ton home as dozens of workers on land and in boats helped the smooth transition.

After being positioned in the marina, it will now serve as a national show home for similar custom-made outlets.

The firm behind the idea, Wilmslow-based Floating Concepts, has created designs for not just one-bedroom and family homes, but offices, hotels, shops and cafés, ultimately hoping whole communities will spring up on the water.

Floating Concepts' Chief Executive David Beard is also co-owner of Liverpool Marina itself and said he could think of no better place to launch his new project.

He is keen to promote the value of "bluefield" land as a viable alternative to town or country living and thinks his floating communities could become tourist attractions in their own right.

Mr Beard said: "I am confident waterborne living will bring new life to existing water space and provide exciting environments which are perfect for 21st-century living.  It will be a useful addition to Liverpool as a tourist destination.  Our aim is to dispel perceptions of water-based living as being restricted to narrow boats and show an alternative of aspirational living."

Each floating home made by the company - the model now in the marina weighs 80 tons and is worth more than £300,000 - will be bespoke to requirements.

The high-spec build on display has 1,100 square foot of living space, under-floor heating and a number of green credentials, including geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, provision for rain water harvesting and sustainable materials.

It may have been hard work to get the show home into place, but port bosses said the firm is a welcome addition to the water.

Steve Hardcastle, harbourmaster at Liverpool Port, said: "Liverpool Marina boasts an extremely well-equipped port, with the capacity to deal with unusual cargo.  We are really pleased to be working alongside Floating Concepts and are delighted it has chosen Liverpool docks to exhibit its revolutionary housing idea."

It may seem like a risky business in the current difficult financial climate, but Floating Concepts - which came to fruition yesterday after being set up two years ago - believe long-term there will only be benefits to the promotion of their alternative way of living.

It says it offers an alternative to the risk of flooding and the effects of global warming, and plain and simple exclusivity which will give the company a cutting edge over contemporary estate agencies.

Mr Beard, a chartered surveyor and property developer, added: "One only had to look at the apartment market, where prices rose meteorically fuelled by the demand from buy-to-let investors, but crashed as a result of oversupply aided by the banking crisis.  I believe public realisation that living on water is achievable will grow at a very much faster rate than the supply of opportunities to do so can be created, which will lead to demand vastly exceeding supply, in turn leading prices rising faster and more consistently than for comparable land-based properties.

5th August 2009 - Vicky Anderson from the Liverpool Daily Post

A LUXURY floating home which a Wilmslow-based developer hopes will create a wave of demand for water-based communities made its first appearance in the UK today.

The two-storey, penthouse-style home was lowered into the Port of Liverpool by crane after being towed from Denmark, where it was built.

It is 18 metres long by 6.5 metres high and will be used as a show home by Floating Concepts, the brainchild of David Beard.

Water-based living is popular in countries such as Denmark, Holland and Canada and Mr Beard believes redundant docks and underused waterways could be developed into floating communities to help solve the UK's looming problems of land shortage and flood risk.

The home which arrived on Merseyside has 1,100sq ft of living space and sells for around £450,000. Along with luxury fixtures and fittings it has solar panels and other green features.

Mr Beard said: "Our aim is to focus the property industry on regenerating water space, helping developers, landowners and the public sector maximise the potential of `bluefield' land.

"I am confident that waterborne living will bring new life to existing water space and provide exciting environments perfect for 21st century living."

By Kevin Feddy

A WILMSLOW-based company that develops floating properties is launching what it says is the UK’s first luxury floating home as its show boat is craned into Liverpool Marina today.

The penthouse style show boat by Floating Concepts  has 1,100 sq ft of living space, with a bespoke designed kitchen and bathroom.

The home includes under floor-heating, as well as green elements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, provision for rain water harvesting and sustainable materials.

Each house boat is built to specification and prices range from £100,000 to £450,000, depending on the interior finish and size of the house.

Floating Concepts, which said it worked with The Port of Liverpool and Peel Holdings to arrange the transportation and mooring of this first home, is in consultation with Peel and other companies across the country to secure moorings for more boats, which can be sold with or without mooring arrangements.

But chief executive David Beard, who launched the company after seeing the business model work successfully over in Denmark, said home owners can tow their boats to new moorings if they decide to relocate.

Mr Beard said: “Floating homes pioneer a common sense approach to the issues faced by conventional developers. Our aim is to focus the property industry on regenerating waterspace, helping developers, landowners and the public sector maximise the potential of ‘Bluefield’ land.”

He said that networks of waterborne communities will grow in popularity as a solution to urban congestion, land shortages and flood risk due to global warming.

Steve Hardcastle, harbourmaster at Liverpool Port, said: “Liverpool Marina boasts an extremely well equipped port, with the capacity to deal with unusual cargo. We’re really pleased to be working alongside Floating Concepts and are delighted that it has chosen Liverpool Docks to exhibit its revolutionary housing idea”.

By Joanne Birtwistle

View the original article.

North West developer Floating Concepts is to showcase its floating apartment in Liverpool today.  It intends this to be the first step in a network of waterborne communities, which will one day include businesses, retail and leisure facilities.  Chief Executive David Beard said: "Floating homes pioneer a common sense approach to the issues faced by conventional developers.  Our aim is to help developers, landowners and the public sector maximise the potential of 'bluefield' land."

4th August 2009 - Insider Tuesday - Liverpool edition - Business News from the North West

Manchester-based 'waterspace developer' is showcasing its floating apartment at Liverpool Marina this week.

Floating Concepts is in talks with Port of Liverpool owner Peel Ports, which had an earlier application to place floating homes on Princes Dock rejected by council planners.  The planners, supported by design watchdog CABE, disagreed on principle with buildings being placed on the city's historic docks, arguing it would destroy the integrity of the water system.

The Danish-built home on show at the Marina from Tuesday 4 August comprises 1,100 square foot of living space, including under floor heating and designer bathroom and kitchen.  It incorporates a number of green credentials, including geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, provision for rainwater harvesting and sustainable materials.

Liverpool Marina is operated by Harbourside Marina, a sister company to Floating Concepts.

David Beard, Cheief Executive of Floating Concepts, commented, "Floating homes pioneer a common sense approach to the issues faced by conventional developers.  Our aim is to focus the property industry on regenerating waterspace, helping developers, landowners and the public sector maximise the potential of 'bluefield' land".

Place North West - 3rd August 2009

Article available for download.

Media Information - 19^th December 2008

A busy end of 2008 for Floating Concepts 

Dining with delegates, prestigious presentations and stimulating seminars are some of the activities that have been on Floating Concepts' busy agenda leading up to Christmas 2008.

Spotted at some of the leading property and regeneration events, Floating Concepts has had great success following its attendance at the Northern Urban Regeneration Exhibition and Conference, WaterfrontExpo 2008, the Thames Gateway Forum 2008 and the Regeneration Summit Conference amongst others.

David Beard, chief executive of Floating Concepts said:  "I've had a busy year and particularly during the past couple of months.  Our presence at these events has been invaluable. It is a great way to make new contacts, identify development opportunities and market your expertise in front of a relevant audience."

NUREC - 27th-28th July 2008

Floating Concepts were proud to be associated with and host a stand at NUREC, the key event for regeneration practitioners to listen, learn, discuss and debate the challenges facing  Northern Cities and Towns.  The event consists of ... The Conference - 40 industry leaders lend their expertise, share their knowledge and offer lively debate to the proceedings.   The Exhibition - with upto 2,000 delegates and limited to just 50 exhibiting organisations, including Councils, Urban Regeneration & Development Companies, City Regeneration Investment Agencies, Architects / Urban Design Companies, Local Corporate Companies, Government Agencies and Community Programmes.

WaterfrontExpo 2008 - 3^rd - 5^th November

The theme of this year's WaterfrontExpo 2008 was ‘Connecting people with the waterfront', which saw 11 international case studies and key presentations drawing on the experiences of large and small urban areas, to help connect people and the water together.

Held at Liverpool Area and Conference Centre, Floating Concepts hosted a popular stand and David Beard in a speaking role presented, ‘The New Frontier' at the show on Wednesday 5^th November, where he examined the use of water as a development medium. The presentation considered planning and environmental issues and discussed the geographical, demographic and physical factors as well as some of the design, construction and servicing constraints. 

"The aim of the presentation was to highlight how water is largely undervalued and often goes unrecognised for purposes such as transport, leisure and recreation. What property professionals need to be aware of is that its most important dynamic in recent years has been as a catalyst for the waterfront development, which has spearheaded urban regeneration throughout the world," added David.

Thames Gateway Forum 2008 - 26^th - 27^th November  

The Thames Gateway Forum returned for its fifth year at ExCeL London and Floating Concepts took full advantage of the opportunity to get involved in one of the major conferences that discussed the key issues affecting the Gateway. As the only event dedicated to bringing together the organisations involved in regenerating the area, this year the attention turned to delivery and how to turn the Thames Gateway vision into a reality.

"We are currently looking for sites across the UK and are particularly interested in securing opportunities on the Thames Gateway. Attending the conference was the perfect opportunity to get an insight into the regeneration of the Gateway and the future vision and potential for the region as Britain's major growth area," commented David.

The Regeneration Summit 2008 - 27^th November

Floating Concepts were an official sponsor of this year's Regeneration Summit, arranged by Public Service Events, at the Barbican in London, which saw industry professionals get together to examine regeneration strategies for improving the lives and the environment of local people. The Regeneration Summit 'Delivering Homes, Creating Communities', discussed strategies whereby local authorities can succeed and excel in their renewal endeavours.

David said: "We are focused on adding value and life to the under utilised waterspace, helping the public sector, developers and land and waterspace owners maximise the potential of water. The conference was again a great way of taking another step closer to turning our vision of communities on water into a reality."

Published in this week's Crain's Manchester Business is an article on Floating Concepts.

Developer floats idea of building on the water

Floating Concepts in talks to lease 4.5 acres of Salford Quays water

A company that wants to put office developments on Greater Manchester's waterways is hoping to push the boat out in Salford Quays.

Floating Concepts Ltd, based in Manchester, is negotiating for a 150-year lease on 4.5 acres of water near Dock 6 on South Bay, Clippers Quay, near the Copthorne Hotel.

The privately-owned company is 18 months into an 11-year distribution deal with Danish firm Waterliving, which builds and sells modular houseboats for residential and business purposes.

David Beard, chief executive, plans to move from his current base in City Gate on Castlefield to his floating 1,100 sq ft home office on Salford Quays when it arrives from Denmark in January.

Beard, who has a majority shareholding in Floating Concepts, also plans to submit a planning application next year for a mixed-use scheme and is currently working through potential designs with architects.

“It's difficult to buy a batch of water,” he said. “There's no real national design policy for water, so it's a challenge for planners and architects.

“There's a lot of water space in the UK, but it needs something more imaginative than a barge,” he said. “Salford Quays is an obvious choice for a development and it could fit in with what is going on at Media City.”

The stretch of water under negotiation is owned by Altrincham-based property developer Urban Waterside.

The structures are built on floating concrete foundations and held in place by steel supports and lateral piles. Beard said they could hold offices, shops, exhibition spaces, or even a hotel. “Some have been used as floating dive centres or even floating car parks,” he said.

Beard said costs are similar to a land-based commercial development, although infrastructure costs would be higher. “There will be access works to pay for, but not mass excavation,” he said.

Planning application

“But we want to work with the local authority — we would give them the head lease and give the under lease to occupiers. We would manage the scheme. We would want to control the development but the principles are the same as on land.

“We're working up a planning application and will have more of an idea of what it might look like in the next six months. But we want to float some of the car parking out to the middle of the dock and use a deck on top as visitor space, with some A3 use.

“There are 12 different models ready to go that we can churn out as needed, really.”

Paul Patton, managing director of Impact Media, which is based in Ancoats near the Rochdale Canal, said the concept of floating offices could catch on, especially in the creative and media sectors.

“It sounds quirky. I can see why it would appeal to media companies,” he said. “It's all about putting people in a creative environment.

“It's an innovative idea and Manchester needs diverse working environments. Nobody is making new land, so it makes sense to capitalise on water in good locations.

“For me, the idea of working on or next to water would be appealing and it would be really good in summer — you could go for a dip with your colleagues.”

 Plans for the regeneration of Edinburgh's waterfront over the next two decades have been unveiled by Forth Ports.

A masterplan will be formally unveiled on Wednesday and will include:

 - A new cruise liner terminal and visitor centre for The Royal Yacht Britannia

 - A waterside esplanade and two new piers creating a public space for local people and visitors

 - A new tram terminus and European plaza-style public transport interchange

 - Provision for a landmark cultural venue such as an international concert hall

 - Up to five new hotels providing Edinburgh with an extra 1,000 much-needed rooms

 - New leisure, restaurant and retail space centered around Ocean Terminal

 - A new office district extending to up to 99,000 sq m

 - 1,870 new homes, 25% of which will be affordable

 - A marina and cross-Forth ferry berth.

Forth Ports Group chief executive Charles Hammond said: “It is important to have a vision in difficult times. Edinburgh Harbour sits at the heart of the largest expansion of Edinburgh for 300 years. It will create a destination that anchors the waterfront development and delivers significant economic benefit to the Edinburgh and Scottish economies.  

"As a consequence, it creates a platform for the private and public sectors in Scotland to work together for the long term and will help to make Edinburgh a leading waterfront city on the world stage.”

Ron Hewitt, chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said: “This opportunity to launch our capital city into the premier league of European cities which capitalise on their natural environments also meets the city’s need for affordable housing, new business space and all the services needed to support these.  Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce believes passionately in this proposal as a key building block in the development of Edinburgh’s waterfront”.

International waterfront development experts RTKL created the masterplan.

(article was reported on Planning magazine's Daily Newsletter)