Latest news with #MattThompson
New York Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Is This 19th-Century Factory the World's First Skyscraper?
It's billed as the 'grandparent of the modern skyscraper,' though it's unlikely you've heard of it. From the outside, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings resembles any number of red brick relics from the industrial revolution that litter the English north and Midlands. But as the first building in the world to be built from a precast iron frame, this 18th-century mill is, according to its custodian, a 'profoundly important' monument of world architecture — the forerunner of all iron- and steel-framed buildings, from 20th-century icons like the Empire State Building to 21st-century behemoths like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Now, this slab of English industrial heritage is ready for its close-up. This spring, English Heritage, the charity that manages Britain's state-owned historic monuments, took ownership of the Shrewsbury site with a mission to highlight its past and future. The factory may be a miracle of modern engineering, but its legacy is stained by the suffering of the workers, many of them children, who toiled there in harsh conditions. It now houses a museum dedicated to that history, but it is also being reborn as upscale offices for entrepreneurs. Soon, parts of the wider site will be converted into smart new housing. The transformation is the latest in a push to find new uses for outsized relics of Britain's industrial past, driven in part by heritage campaigners. 'Heritage is often castles, thatched cottages, stately homes,' said Matt Thompson, English Heritage's curatorial director. 'Industrial heritage was for a long time overlooked because it's not immediately responding to what we consider significant.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
What do you have to do to sell your home in a property downturn?
One notable feature of the turbulent UK housing market is quite how sluggish sales in London and the South East have become. In the corner that was once a guaranteed hotspot, those looking to sell up and move are facing the toughest market in a decade – and, thanks to a glut of properties for sale, have started slashing asking prices. According to Rightmove, the property website, sales in June across Britain have slipped by 0.3 per cent, to an average of £378,240, in what is normally one of the most lucrative months of the year. The capital and surrounding counties could be dragging down the average. Rightmove has noted that 'the higher-priced southern regions and the capital have seen larger price drops this month, being more affected by higher stamp duty charges, and seeing greater increases in available homes for sale'. Which means sellers are having to work harder to shift their properties – and guard against lowering their prices. How to boost your property's appeal Cosmetic changes Everyone knows how the smell of freshly brewed coffee or baked bread plays well with potential buyers viewing your home. But to get a sale price even remotely close to your desired one in this market, you'll have to do more than just cater for people's food preferences. Matt Thompson, head of sales at Chestertons, explains: 'Potential buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in your property, so it is a good idea to transform your home into a blank canvas – which means declutter as much as possible, and consider giving some rooms a fresh coat of paint. 'First impressions count, and we sometimes advise sellers to spruce up the front yard and entrance area.' If it means a trip to your local self-storage firm, before a stop-off at the nearest DIY place on the way home, so be it: these are difficult times for home-sellers. 'If there are no major works to be carried out concerning elements such as the foundation or roof, some cosmetic work can make all the difference,' says Thompson. Extensions and planning permission Flagging a property's potential for extensions and the like can also pay dividends, even if you don't do the work yourself. Going through a local council's planning permission could make your property more appealing to those with a means to extend. From the time the local planning authority grants it, permission is normally valid for three years. This may also be a route you end up taking yourself if you decide to hold out and not sell at this time. If the reason you are looking to move is lack of space, it'll help solve some of your immediate problems, while likely adding value to your property in the long-run. According to a 2023 report by Nationwide, adding a bathroom can add 6 per cent to the value of an average home, while making space for an additional bedroom can add 15 per cent; a loft conversion, or one that adds extra floor area, can add a full 25 per cent. Whether you yourself are on TikTok and Instagram or you enlist the help of 'propfluencers' (property influencers), social media is a great tool to utilise when selling your home. Not only does it raise the profile of the property and provide a very visual piece of marketing for potential buyers, you may also benefit from brand endorsement, freebies and extra revenue – which is particularly helpful if you are extending the property or renovating certain areas. For example, London-based estate and lettings agent Ellis & Co estimates that 'homefluencer' Susanna Hawkins, also known as Schnordic, earns around £1,361 per post (a figure that has likely gone up considerably since 2022, now that her account has over 1.1million followers). Virtual viewings and open houses Estate agents frequently get a bad rap. Mori's veracity index for 2024 found that just 37 per cent of those surveyed 'generally trust them to tell the truth'. However, for the record, journalists managed just 27 per cent. Only ad execs, government ministers and politicians achieved lower trust ratings than my trade (sigh). But shiny-suited or not, finding a good estate agent able to offer advice like Thomson's, specifically tailored to the seller's circumstances, can make all the difference. They should know what to hype up about the property and what to downplay. They can also help you take advantage of virtual viewings – a trend that has gained traction since the pandemic. They're a great way to engage prospective buyers and mean people can look around online before they even step foot inside. Again, while open houses may seem more Selling Sunset than Flogging Your Family Home, they can create a buzz and get the right people in the doorway. Of course you'll have to pay them commission – but they'll pay for themselves if the advice secures a higher selling price. The housing market may be in a state of flux and things may be looking particularly bleak for sellers right now, but if you are keen to budge your property, taking these steps may help you claw back some control – and, more importantly, money.
Western Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Average UK house price increased by nearly £900 in April
Halifax recorded a 0.3% month-on-month price rise in April, following a 0.5% monthly fall in March. The annual house price growth rate ticked up to 3.2% in April, from 2.9% in March, Halifax said. The average property price in April was £297,781, up from £296,899 in March. Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages, Halifax, said: 'UK house prices rose by 0.3% in March, an increase of just under £900. This didn't lead to a significant increase in property prices Amanda Bryden, Halifax 'We know the stamp duty changes prompted a surge in transactions in the early part of this year, as buyers rushed to beat the tax-rise deadline. 'However, this didn't lead to a significant increase in property prices, with the last six months characterised by a stability in prices rarely seen since the pandemic.' Halifax's figures are in contrast to Nationwide Building Society's latest house price index, released last week. Nationwide reported that house price growth had softened, with prices dipping by 0.6% month on month in April and price growth also slowing on an annual basis, at 3.4% in April, down from 3.9% in March. Stamp duty 'nil rate' bands have become less generous from April, with some buyers facing higher costs for moving home. Stamp duty applies in England and Northern Ireland. Ms Bryden said 'modest price growth' is expected this year, adding: 'Overall, the market continues to show resilience, despite a subdued economic environment and risks from geopolitical developments.' Looking across the UK, Halifax recorded strong house price growth in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, with a more subdued picture in south-west England and London. Nathan Emerson, chief executive of property professionals' body Propertymark, said of the Halifax figures: 'This is a sign of sustained confidence in the UK's housing market following a recent stamp duty surge in home buying, and it should give those sellers hoping to take advantage of the traditionally busier spring and summer months motivation to move up the housing ladder.' Iain McKenzie, chief executive of the Guild of Property Professionals, said: 'We're seeing mortgage rates continue their welcome descent, with sub-4% deals now reappearing, which is a clear boost for buyer affordability and confidence.' Jonathan Handford, managing director at estate agent group Fine & Country, said: 'The rebound in prices suggests the market may be finding its footing after a turbulent few months.' Sellers remained motivated Matt Thompson, Chestertons Matt Thompson, head of sales at London-based estate agent Chestertons, said: 'In April, some house hunters paused their search amid the Easter holidays, but sellers remained motivated which resulted in an uplift in the number of properties put up for sale.' Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank, said: 'Demand has increased as more mortgage rates drop below 4%, which will underpin prices while the momentum is maintained. 'Tariff turbulence has helped push interest rate expectations lower but buyers could be put off if it gets too bumpy.' Jason Tebb, president of OnTheMarket, said: 'With property prices remaining relatively steady, this suggests that affordability is having an impact on the amount buyers are willing and/or able to pay.' Babek Ismayil, founder and chief executive at homebuying platform OneDome, said: 'This increase masks ongoing affordability pressures and the longer-term hangover from the stamp duty changes in April.' Tomer Aboody, director of specialist lender MT Finance, said: 'The end of the stamp duty holiday in March saw a big push in transactions completing by the end of the month so that buyers could avoid the tax increase. 'We are now seeing the fallout, with transactions and mortgage approvals falling, although prices are holding steady.' Here are average house prices and the annual increase, according to Halifax. The regional annual change figures are based on the most recent three months of approved mortgage transaction data: East Midlands, £245,884, 3.0% Eastern England, £335,619, 2.0% London, £543,346, 1.3% North East, £175,207, 2.1% North West, £240,975, 4.1% Northern Ireland, £208,220, 8.1% Scotland, £214,011, 4.6% South East, £391,830, 2.0% South West, £304,451, 0.9% Wales, £229,079, 4.7% West Midlands, £261,098, 3.3% Yorkshire and the Humber, £214,844, 3.8%
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Memphis Zoo says attendance dropped after 2022 crimes, leading to deficits
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Zoo is asking city and county governments for $3 million in operational support, saying attendance has seen a 'tremendous drop' due to visitors' perception of safety in the city after some high-profile crimes. Zoo officials shared attendance and revenue numbers with Memphis City Council members Tuesday, showing more than 1 million visitors to the zoo in 2019, and again in 2022 after attendance rebounded following the COVID pandemic closure. But those numbers dipped by close to 20% beginning in 2023, leading to operating deficits the past two years. 'We saw a tremendous decrease in our attendance,' said Matt Thompson, president and CEO of the Memphis Zoo. 'If people aren't coming through our gate, then we aren't making revenue.' State commits $20M for Memphis Zoo expansion Thompson told council members the decline was directly related to the kidnapping and killing of Eliza Fletcher and the mass shooting carried out by Ezekiel Kelly. Both crimes struck in the Midtown area in late 2022, and Thompson said they scared away visitors who have never come back. 'We were told directly by our members that people were nervous to come back into the city,' Thompson said. 'We've seen some people leave the city, we've seen that kind of thing. Our numbers have been very, very slow to come back.' The revenue decline is creating a need for an additional $3 million, Thompson said, and the zoo is asking both the city and county for $1.5 million each. The zoo plans to use that money for deferred maintenance. The city's management fee for the zoo is currently $1.2 million, the same as it was in 1989, Thompson said. Still, there were many positive notes in the zoo's presentation. The Memphis Zoo is the top attraction in West Tennessee and was rated the No. 2 zoo in the country, with 52% of visitors coming from outside the region, creating an economic impact of $89.4 million. SCSO says mom who drove into pond in Cordova was not drugged The Memphis Zoo is undertaking a $250 million campus plan that will add an Africa exhibit featuring elephants, and an Oceans to Forests exhibit with both aquarium and rain forest habitats over the next three years. Council members were supportive of the zoo's efforts and offerings, though they asked for more details on the zoo's finances. 'Our zoo is one of the best zoos in the world, and it's one of the treasures of our city, so it's budget season, we'll get through this, and you have my support,' Councilman Philip Spinosa said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BBC News
31-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Hunt is on for Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings' bell as it reopens
A search has been launched to find the bell that has been missing from the so-called "grandparent of skyscrapers" for nearly 40 Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings prepares to re-open under English Heritage's (EH) tenure on Tuesday, the charity is asking one question - where is its bell?It is believed to be about 24in (0.6m) tall and cast with the year "1791" on it. The charity believes it went missing in the late 1980s or early 1990s, when the building was derelict."Whilst it is possible that the bell could have been melted down, it is more likely that someone took it as a souvenir," said Matt Thompson, EH curatorial director. "[It would have been when] this imposing, historic building which – at the time – looked close to ruin."As Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings begins its new incarnation as an English Heritage site, it feels like the right time to appeal for information on the bell's whereabouts so that we can restore it to its rightful place."The bell would ring out to mark the start and end of each working day at the Flaxmill and later, the maltings, EH said. It was the world's first multi-storey, iron-frame building, and its design paved the way for modern high-rise buildings. It opened in 1797 as a purpose-built flaxmill, operating for a century under steam power to spin flax into linen thread. From 1897, the site was used as a maltings and served as a temporary army training unit and barracks during World War Two, before closing in 1987. 'Catalyst for labour reform' The buildings were left to fall into dereliction, before EH bought the site in 2005, restoring it in partnership with Shropshire Council and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings."The social change brought about by this very flaxmill and the factory system in general is equally as important to British history," said Mr Thompson."The associated urban migration, long, hard working hours and exploitation of children were catalysts for labour reform movements and legislation to improve conditions, including the 1833 Factory Act for which the government received testimony from former workers at Shrewsbury Flaxmill."It would be a fitting end to the incredible story of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings if we could find the bell and restore it to its rightful place." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
