IT’S TIME TO GET A LIFE!

What a great week it has been here at One Park West!  On Friday our representatives were invited by our friends and neighbours at Juice FM to help them choose a winner for their brilliant “Get a Life” competition.

The winner of the competition gets to live a luxury celebrity lifestyle for a year, with the main attraction being the chance to live in an apartment in One Park West (which we all know is Liverpool’s most prestigious residential apartment building)!

But what pressure and responsibility it was to select the final five candidates, how did we manage?  Well it was simple really, we sat down and had a relaxed chat with the shortlisted few in an effort to whittle them down to a final five.  Although it was tempting to pull up the trousers and adopt a Simon Cowell attitude, the urge was resisted and instead we got the chance to meet some fantastic young candidates from across Liverpool. 

Who will come to live in One Park West?!

The final five were selected to be: Steven Hourihan, a 28 year old from Aintree who is due to get married in April; Tom Cordey, a 24 year old racing car mechanic living in Toxteth but originally from Darlington; Gill Dabek, a 24 year old physio and former GB badminton player from the Wirral; Kate Farrell, a 27 year old Desperate Scousewife wannabe from West Derby and Orla McElroy, a 29 year old special needs teacher from Wavertree.

The great news is that that is where our hard worked ended.  Each remaining candidate is now tasked with going out to get their local communities to support them with their nominations.  The person with the biggest support base will win the luxury lifestyle for a year and move into one of our stunning designer apartments in April. 

If you want to check out the final five and cast a vote as to who you think should move in with us at One Park West visit Juice FM’s website.  The voting closes at midnight on Sunday 19 February so it is likely to be a frantic race between the five remaining contestants.

If you missed the opportunity to enter the competition but still want to lead a fun and active lifestyle here at One Park West, contact the team at Kingston Shaw Residential.  With city centre designer apartments available for as little as £90,000 it may not be that hard to get the life we all dream of.

FALLING IN LOVE … WITH YOUR HOME

As we approach Valentine’s Day, we thought we should take a closer look at how choosing a home has a lot in common with selecting the right partner.  In fact, it could be just as important as it’s where you are likely to spend most of your time, it’s also likely to be one of your biggest investments and a place where you need to feel happy, safe and secure.

So what are the most important features to look for?  Just like when looking for a partner, some may be attracted by looks, while others rate security as more important.  Surprisingly, it seems to be the same with homes.  Here we outline the top five things people love about their homes:

Good looks

A person’s looks and personality are what initially attract people and, like clothes, people use their home as a way of portraying their personality.  At One Park West, residents have kitted out their apartments to match a smart and stylish character, while many others have brought one that has been carefully designed for them by internationally recognised experts at Kingston Shaw.  Either way, it’s your choice.  But rest assured the structural layout has been carefully considered and each apartment has been built to cater for all the latest technical needs.

A lovely outlook

Liverpool's Three Graces

Liverpool's Three Graces

 

They say there are some things you can’t change in a person such as a personality.  In a home that tends to be the outlook or views from the windows.  Some of the most popular views are where people can see far into the distance, look at water features or famous buildings or landmarks.  I hope you don’t mind if we show off, but at One Park West we have some of the most spectacular views in Liverpool including the waterfront, Three Graces or far reaching views of the Welsh mountains. 

Feeling secure

In a relationship people like to feel safe and secure.  So too in a home.  People like to be able to retreat to their homes after a busy day or when needing to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

Safety and security may not be the most exciting topic but it’s one of those things you have to consider when looking for a city apartment.  Are there CCTV cameras, secure parking and 24 hour support if needed?  Residents at One Park West have the benefits of CCTV cameras, a 24 hour concierge service and anyone looking to buy this month will also get a free car parking space thrown in as well (or take advantage of the bicycle store if you want to reduce your carbon footprint).

Friends – and neighbours

Everyone needs good neighbours, like minded people that are there when needed.  At One Park West there are 326 apartments and residents of all ages which helps create a fun and inclusive feel.  You may also have noticed that Liverpool’s Juice FM has now moved in to one of our office spaces, so keep a watch out for any celebrities visiting the building. 

Location

We can’t finish without mentioning what are said to be the three most important things when buying a home – “location, location, location”.  One Park West may not be right for those looking for a slower rural life but anyone wanting to feel the buzz of city life then look no further.  Located right in the heart of Liverpool ONE, those who know Liverpool will surely agree there is no better location. 

Chavasse Park, outside One Park West

It’s not just the younger generation who like city living.  Our research suggests people of all ages love being close to bars, restaurants and theatres where they can simply walk home at the end of an evening.  But for those wanting a bit of nature, just take a look at Chavasse Park outside One Park West if you want to see green space in a city.  It’s hard not to fall in love with these apartments for their location alone.

So this Valentine’s Day, contact us if you would like us to help you find an ideal partner to spend a quiet night in with or who will always be there for you after a busy night out.  If you think it’s all too much of a commitment, speak with the team as we can help lighten the load through our Grosvenor Assured Property investment scheme.

A CITY OF FESTIVALS

Liverpool is a city that loves a festival.  From the Tall Ships to the diverse beat of Mathew Street music festival, the city knows how to party and stage a great celebration.  Here’s a selection of what we believe are some of the City’s best festivals to look out for in 2012.

The Mathew Street Festival is arguably the main event for music fans in 2012 as there is something for everyone in terms of musical genres.  If the weather plays ball, there’s nothing more exciting than wandering the closed-off city centre streets, catching fragments of songs pouring from every bar or soundstage.

But can we talk about Liverpool’s music heritage and not mention The Fab Four?  Of course not and let’s be honest The Beatles’ lasting influence on pop music is surely part of why some 300,000 people head for the city in August.  International Beatle Week is one of the biggest music events in the world, with bands from over 20 countries and fans from over 40 visiting the wonderful City of Liverpool.

 

Cavern Club in the heart of Liverpool

There are live gigs taking place all over the city, from the Cavern Club to the Adelphi Hotel, as well as memorabilia sales and guest speakers.  It’s the kind of thing where you really feel part of the action, particularly when you live right in the heart of Liverpool.

Of course there’s more to discover in the Liverpool music scene than the glory days of the 60s.  If your tastes run to something more modern, then Liverpool Sound City offers three days in May (17th-19th May 2012) where you can find bands from all around the world performing.  Keep a watch out for some rising stars from the local scene who will no doubt also be making their mark.

EXPLORE THE WATERFRONT

Liverpool's Waterfront

The historic waterfront has changed over the last few years and there is plenty going on with the new Maritime Museum, the ACC, Echo Arena and Albert Dock all within walking distance for anyone living in the city centre.

For example, April 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and the city has a `Little Girl Giant’ street theatre show planned for the waterfront area, plus several big cruise liners are scheduled to stop off at Liverpool before they head across the Atlantic.  There is something majestic about seeing the luxury cruise ships on the Mersey, they add a bit of drama and a sense of occasion to the waterfront.

If you like slightly smaller boats, then catch the Round Britain races in June. The races are held on land, sea and in the air, with all competitors calling in at Liverpool.  The powerboats and rally cars are due in the city on Saturday 23rd June before they head off the following morning.

Now we know some of our One Park West residents make full use of the gym in our building, so if you feel sporty and want to get fully involved then why not register for a place in the Liverpool Triathlon.  Held on the 1st July 2012, there’s a 4Km swim in the Queen’s and Wapping docks, followed by a bike ride and run totalling just over 50Kms.  Keep a watch out for friends and some top level athletes in the elite class.

If you have an event coming up, tweet us @One_Park_West and we will happily share the news via our Twitterfeed.