PLATFORM_ and Northwood bring next-generation rental living to Sheffield

21 Nov PLATFORM_ and Northwood bring next-generation rental living to Sheffield

Completion of PLATFORM_ in Sheffield introduces 335 tech-enabled rental homes to the city centre, marking a new era in urban living

A landmark new 335-home residential project is set to bring tech-enabled, design conscious, city-living to renters in Sheffield following its recent practical completion. PLATFORM_, located on Sylvester Street in the city-centre, is a major new urban community delivered by leading build-to-rent (BTR) developer and operator PLATFORM_ in a joint venture partnership with Northwood Investors LLC.

Founded in 2016, PLATFORM_ was the first to deliver a branded concept of institutional-quality BTR neighbourhoods across the UK. This Sheffield development is PLATFORM’s 7th and the first to bring this model to the city, featuring a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments as well as studios, arranged over three residential blocks. The first residents will be welcomed into the community-driven buildings over the next few weeks.

New residents at PLATFORM_ will enjoy apartments that harness the latest smart technology to provide a fully modernised in-home experience, including secure keyless access, an app-based building portal, remote utility control, and network-enabled gym equipment, all supported by super-fast fibre broadband.

Amenities include a residents’ lounge, games room, private dining room, gym, and three roof terraces for communal use and events. Residents also have access to a dedicated resident services team, smart parcel management, and a loyalty scheme offering discounts across a range of local and national businesses. The apartments are perfectly designed for modern lifestyles with bright and spacious living and entertaining spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish fully-appointed kitchen and bathroom units.

In line with PLATFORM_’s past record of successful rental development projects, PLATFORM_ in Sheffield is designed around sustainable living and ecological enhancement. The project has achieved 100% EPC B rated apartments and features photovoltaic roof panels for on-site renewable electricity, as well as extensive planting across the site to ensure a biodiversity net gain. Naturalisation works to nearby Porter Brook have also been carried out, in consultation and agreement with the Wild Trout Trust, to create a trout-friendly habitat.

PLATFORM_ is easily accessible from the city centre via a new public walkway along the Porter Brook, putting residents within easy reach of Sheffield’s retail and transportation hubs. The development also features two on-site commercial units at ground level for retail and co-working spaces, further enhancing the amenities on-site.

Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said: “Sheffield is a dynamic, creative city and we are excited to deliver this landmark new residential community right in the heart of the city centre. PLATFORM_ offers a unique range of tech-enabled amenities and personalised service at an accessible price that will be enjoyed by a range of residents seeking out flexible, convenient high-quality rental living.”

James Seago, Vice President at Northwood Investors, said: “following the successful development and stabilisation of PLATFORM_Cardiff, which is now fully occupied, we are excited to launch our second scheme alongside PLATFORM_ in Sheffield’s city centre. Our partnership continues to deliver high-quality, sustainable, purpose-built rental product in undersupplied markets, and we look forward to the launch of our third scheme in Glasgow later this year.”

The completion of the PLATFORM_ development in Sheffield represents the second project successfully delivered in partnership with Northwood Investors, following a similar venture in Cardiff, which reached full occupancy last month. A further project in Glasgow is on track to complete this winter.