The design of the new City Bridge in Drammen, Norway has been formally approved by the client, City of Drammen (Drammen Kommune). The 280m long crossing, co-designed by Knight Architects (UK), Saaha (NO), structural engineers Degree of Freedom (NO) and landscape architect Asplan Viak (NO) will replace an 84-year-old road bridge across the river Drammenselva and the local rail station, becoming a vital link within the city’s infrastructure network. The landmark bridge project is a key element in the city’s successful redevelopment programme, turning a former industrial enclave into a modern city with high living standards. The new City Bridge starts at the station square in Strømsø, the southern part of the city, crossing the newly redeveloped Drammen Rail station, including four platforms and six rail tracks, before stepping over the 150m wide Drammenselva river and tying into the central public square of Bragernes, on the north side of the city. Six stair ramps will provide access to the platforms of the station and to the promenade along the south shore. The width of the bridge will be increased from the current 15m to 19.4 m, providing ample space for pedestrians and cyclists on both sides of the road deck. The central carriageway has been designed exclusively for public transport. The central element of the bridge, the main river crossing, will be a pair of low lying, shallow steel arches spanning 85m across the river, leaping dramatically between two narrow piers located close to the river shores. This distinctive shape will be emblematic for the city of Drammen. At both ends of the bridge, significant consideration has been taken to provide a seamless transition between the deck and the local pedestrian and cycle routes. This includes a terraced plaza stretching along the north riverbanks on Bragernes allowing easy access to the bankside promenade crossing underneath the bridge. The promenade on the south bank, providing fishing spots and mooring for small boats, will be accessed from the bridge via a bespoke lift. Being the pivotal link for commuters and leisure pedestrians alike, great attention has been given to the detailing of the crossing. High quality finishes including granite paving and Accoya handrails will be accompanied by bespoke furniture including benches and flag poles. Carefully designed lighting (by Light Bureau) will ensure user safety at night and illuminate the striking bridge silhouette. The development is a joint operation by the City of Drammen (Drammen Kommune) and the Norwegian rail authority Bane NOR which is carried out in two separate lots. Detailed design stage of the bridge will finish in March 2021 and the construction tender will be announced before summer 2021. Construction works, including the demolition of the existing bridge and the erection of a temporary crossing, will start in 2022. The opening of the new City Bridge is scheduled for 2025.

Michel Desvigne, a highly regarded French landscape architect and respected Monaco architect, is known for his garden designs and his approach to urbanism. His gardens bring nature and a sense of calm to urban spaces. His love of gardens and landscapes were nurtured by his early work, as he and Christine Dalnoky were the first resident landscape architects at the Villa Medici in Rome, from 1986-1988. They were engaged by Renzo Piano – another award-winning Monaco architect — to design a garden at one of his projects on Paris’ rue de Meaux, famously known as “birch tree square.” Desvigne’s work can also be seen in his urban forests, including one in Paris and one on the roof of a railway station in Tokyo with more than 200 trees, as well as in such projects as the Parc aux Angéliques in Bordeaux, a riverside green space for walking, biking and picnicking, and the transformative Seguin Island Garden, the first public space to open on the island, formerly the site of the Renault factories in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Also among the Monaco architect’s notable projects are the Grand Stade de Bordeaux, now known as the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux; the outdoor spaces surrounding UNESCO Building V in Paris; and the public spaces and parkway in the Brazza district of Bordeaux. In addition to designing sustainable landscapes, Desvigne has taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Design in the United States for over two decades, as well as at other universities and architecture schools around the world. In 2011, Desvigne was awarded France’s Grand Prize for Urbanism, and in 2014 he was awarded the European Prize for Urban Public Space for his restoration of the Old Port of Marseilles. The Monaco architect’s list of awards is lengthy, and includes, most notably, the Architectural Medal from the French Academy of Culture in 2000. More recently, Desvigne and his firm, along with OBR Paolo Brescia and Tommaso Principi, won first prize in an international competition in 2016 to design the new Central Park in Prato, Italy; and, in collaboration with several other firms, he won the Equerre d’Argent 2020 Prize in the category Public and Landscaped Spaces. Mareterra Monaco Now the Monaco architect is part of the design and development team working on the 6-hectare eco-development of Mareterra Monaco, which will feature a pine forest of endemic Mediterranean trees, with more than 1,000 to be planted around the cove that was created by a unique land reclamation project. Desvigne envisions “the reintroduction of a natural environment in the city,” as his landscaping will establish a flourishing Mediterranean ecosystem in keeping with the principality’s focus on conservation and sustainability. Desvigne is truly transforming urban landscapes across the globe, and now the Principality of Monaco will be another showcase for his natural gardens. They will enhance the promenade along the project’s seafront setting, bringing the signature serenity of the landscape Monaco architect’s designs to this luxury property.

Sensational Monaco buildings 1 -Odeon Tower This iconic Monaco new building pierces the city-state’s skyline offering its residents limitless luxury.  The double skyscraper is located in the prestigious district of Monte-Carlo. It soars some 49 stories into the sky and was Monaco’s first skyscraper to be built since the 1980s. Tour Odeon includes 60 serviced apartments, duplexes, and a penthouse. Tour Odeon’s 31,500 square foot penthouse has grabbed headlines across the world for its outlandish facilities. Occupying the 45th through to the 49th floor, this voluminous space includes a cinema, billiard room, fitness room, and water slide, which descends directly from the dance floor into the penthouse’s private infinity pool. Residents of Tour Odeon apartments enjoy a host of amenities, including access to a private chauffeur, 24/7 concierge service, multiple swimming pools, and in house caterer. 2 – Parc Saint Roman Parc Saint Roman is a highly sought-after Monaco building, known for its luxury amenities, including swimming pool, pool house, fitness room, sauna, and 24-hour security and concierge services. Located in the popular district of La Rousse, Parc Saint Roman has long appealed to discerning investors who seek refined elegance. Parc Saint Roman is conveniently positioned, within striking distance of the Larvotto beaches and the Monte Carlo Country Club. Designed by renowned Italian architect Luigi Caccia Dominioni, this Monaco building is split into two blocks, La Tour, and Les Terrasses, totalling some 390 apartments. Many boast superb views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the coast from Italy to Cap Ferrat. 3 – Le Mirabeau Formerly a luxury hotel, this Monaco building was converted into residential apartments in 2007 and is now considered one the principality’s jewels in the crown when it comes to elegant Monaco real estate. Located in Monte-Carlo, Mirabeau is situated close to the famed Carre d’Or, the most prestigious address in Monaco. The Carre d’Or, or Golden Square, is home to the legendary Monte Carlo Casino, the Hotel de Paris, and the chic Café de Paris, known as the place to see and be seen. Of course, it is also home to some of the world’s most desired designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants. Another key selling point of this famed high-rise Monaco building is its location right on the Grand Prix circuit, directly overlooking the famous hairpin of the Sun Casino. Residents of this Monaco building enjoy a host of amenities, including a 24/7 concierge service, fitness centre, and outdoor swimming pool. There is no doubt that those seeking a luxury residence with world-class facilities will find just what they are looking for in Monaco, the home of limitless luxury! What other prestigious Monaco buildings would you add to our guide? 

Being the capital of the Catalonia region in Spain, Barcelona attracts over 9 million over-night tourists last year. Whilst this year and next year will be temporarily lower than this amount due to Spain’s struggle with Coronavirus, Barcelona will always remain a tourist hotspot in Europe.  For this reason, buying a property close to the city centre is going to be a safe bet. Apartments for sale in Barcelona city are not going to be inflated much, because this isn’t a good economic time. But in such economic despair arises investment opportunities for those that can afford it… Barcelona is a magnet for international talent. Some of the world’s leading multinational companies have chosen the city as a base thanks to the city’s low cost of living, cheap rents, excellent infrastructure and lifestyle. That’s why it is a suitable place to work in a top company and promote in your job. Properties in Barcelona are common purchases for expats who wish to move to Catalonia. And why not? Barcelona is an incredible place to live, with beautiful people and incredible amenities, entertainment, beaches and a world-renowned football team. Whether you’re buying an apartment in Barcelona for yourself or to rent out (or both), there are different neighbourhoods that suit different circumstances. Here is a guide on the flats for sale in Barcelona, and where may suit you. Zones to buy properties in Barcelona Eixample Derecho This area is very different from Gracia, even though it lays right next door. It’s a difficult place to pronounce for a foreigner (try lay-sham-pluh), but it’s easy to navigate with the large grid-like parallel streets. This is a high-demand area due to it’s close proximity to almost everything: shops, schools, restaurants, it’s all happening in Eixample Derecho. This is the ultimate place for tourists, especially if they’re here to site-see. An apartment here is within walking distance to Passeig de Gracia, Sagrada Familia and Plaça Catalunya. Sarrià – Sant Gervasi This district is located in Barcelona’s upper zone and is one of the most prestigious in the city. Here we find important universities, business schools such as IESE and ESADE and prestigious private hospitals. It is a very welcoming and well-kept area, with numerous public parks and the proximity to the Collserola mountains, the natural lung of Barcelona. The flats are usually very spacious, with an area of over 150 m2, while we also find stunning villas with all the comforts of the big city nearby. This is the kind of place you want to live in if you enjoy being in a quiet place that’s positioned on the fringes of a bustling city centre. It is a bit further, but the metro is very impressive in Barcelona and so getting around shouldn’t be an issue. Gracia Gracia is a trendy borough in Barcelona – one that has a buzzing youthful atmosphere. Whilst it used to be a separate town, it’s not included in a map of Barcelona, plus it isn’t too far from the centre anyway. Gracia is perfect for those that want a village-feel with narrow streets, yet want a good nightlife. These two aren’t always easy to marry together but Gracia does it brilliantly. Prices are a tad above the average for Barcelona, but you will be investing in a neighbourhood that is only growing in popularity. This isn’t the place to buy a property however if you’re looking to live here yourself, especially if you want old-town Barcelona. It isn’t cosy, narrow streets and old cafes so much as it is functional, big, and modern. If you’re a city-worker that wants to be close to shops and doesn’t mind the tourists, then this could be a great choice. Ciutat Vella This district is the historic centre of the city that looks back over all the centuries of history of the Catalan capital. It is one of the most attractive in Europe and will conquer you through the winding streets, the spaces that open as if they were secret places, the squares, the culture and the cosmopolitan spirit. In this area we find beautifully renovated flats and fantastic opportunities to buy a property to suit our preferences in an extraordinary setting surrounded by tradition. If you want to live in the heart of the city and prefer to use alternative means of transport such as bicycles instead of cars, this is definitely the place for you. In Ciutat Vella you can find everything from history in all its splendour in the Gothic quarter to one of the most attractive areas of Barcelona, El Born, which has established itself as the perfect place to enjoy a luxurious but minimalist lifestyle. In this respect, its excellent lofts that reflect the industrial heritage of the city are particularly noteworthy. Final Words Property in Barcelona isn’t as badly priced as you may think. Interest rates are at historical lows and it is the perfect time to obtain financing without waiting for prices to change, as the conditions for accessing mortgage credit could be less beneficial in the future. There are a lot of opportunities to find your new home and enjoy the Mediterranian way of life.

A fixer-upper can be an excellent compromise for people who want control over their home design but lack time to build from scratch. An added benefit is that it gives you the option of moving into a neighborhood you prefer. Additionally, a fixer-upper sells for a much lower price than a new or updated home. Yet, even with all these benefits, choosing one can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Here’s what you should know. Calculate the Pricing The real hurdle with buying a fixer-upper is determining the hidden costs that it will carry. Though the initial offer price may be deceptive, you may find yourself saddled with unexpected costs as the process continues. Start by checking the pricing of houses available on the market. As you already have a style and aesthetic in mind, you can focus on homes that fit your specs. There is a variety of new home designs Perth offers that you can look into. A fixer-upper tends to cost much less than a ready home. For instance, for a $210,000 new home, you can find a $150,000 fixer-upper in the same neighborhood. If the cost of renovations will significantly surpass the cost of buying a new home, it might be wise to rethink settling on a fixer-upper.  Home Inspections If you’ve spotted a fixer-upper you’d consider buying, be sure to get all the necessary home inspections done. The last thing you want is to discover structural issues after you’ve started renovations. There are several essential inspections you need to do, but that will save you future headaches. You can obtain a home warranty at the seller’s cost. It protects you if things start breaking right after the purchase. Pest inspection checks for damage from termites, ants, or other insects. Sewer lines tend to age with the property, so it’s vital to get them and the septic tanks checked. Roof certifications provide the age and condition of the roof. Finally, the engineering report helps you understand any natural hazards that relate to the property.  Drawing the Line Ultimately, you’ll need to be honest with yourself and understand where to draw the line. An excellent pointer to determine whether a fixer-upper is worth it is the nature of renovations. You can differentiate easy fixes from more complicated and expensive ones. Easy fixes are usually cosmetic: fixing broken windows, replacing doors, laying tiles, painting, and the like.  Expensive fixes involve construction: remodeling bathrooms, replacing plumbing, and reroofing. If the fixer-upper you’ve found has more structural fixes than cosmetic ones, it might be wiser to let it go. Additionally, know how far to go with the renovations in case you plan to sell. Going overboard in a neighborhood with low property value may mean that you never recover the cost of your investment.  Using a Buyer’s Agent Using a buyers agent when purchasing a fixer-upper can make a world of difference. Buyers agents have extensive knowledge of the local market and can help you find undervalued properties with renovation potential. They’ll also guide you through the negotiation process, ensuring you pay a fair price by factoring in renovation costs. In addition, they have connections to trusted contractors, inspectors, and architects who can provide estimates and advice, making it easier to assess the true cost of repairs. A buyers agent is your advocate, helping you avoid hidden pitfalls and make informed decisions throughout the process. Fixer-Upper or New? Deciding whether to settle on a fixer-upper comes down to weighing the scales. If all the factors make sense, then go right ahead and turn that fixer-upper into the house of your dreams. If not, take your time, save a bit more and buy yourself a new home, or even build one that meets your lifestyle needs.

Birmingham-based, PRS-specialist developer Blackswan Property Limited has been acquired by Cordia International. The European residential real estate developer, with interests across Hungary, Poland, Spain, Germany and Romania is the residential development platform of Futureal Group. With more than 500 real estate professionals and 7 million sq.ft of properties under construction across 43 ongoing projects, Futureal Group is one of the leading real estate development and investment groups in Central and Eastern Europe. The Blackswan acquisition marks Cordia’s first investment in the UK market. This follows Cordia’s recent 93% acquisition of Warsaw Stock Exchange-listed, Polish residential developer Polnord S.A., and 20% stake in German residential rental and large-scale urban renewal project company Argo Properties NV, increasing Cordia’s development land bank to over 14,000 apartments. Cordia has recently issued a €135 million 7-year bond and a €105 million 10-year bond to fund its international expansion and foray into the private rental sector (PRS). UK’s Blackswan under the Cordia Blackswan brand will continue to be led by the current management team. The company will also be growing the team with a recruitment drive in the next few months to support the scale of their existing planned projects. The deal was brokered by Tony Haran, Midlands Head of Residential Investment and Build to Rent expert in CBRE’s residential team. He advised Cordia on their first UK residential acquisition, following an initial fact-finding trip to the city.  Marcus Hawley, Managing Director and Founder of Blackswan said, “Blackswan’s vision has always been to create sustainable places that enable people to live happier, richer and more fulfilling lives. Being part of Cordia will allow us to fulfil that vision by delivering a £550 million pipeline of projects across the West Midlands. We are excited to join the Cordia family as they share our vision of creating new, well-designed places where people want to live, work, play and learn.” Tibor Földi, Chairman of the Board of Cordia, said: “Our goal is to become one of the leading and most diversified residential development groups in Europe. The acquisition and recapitalization of Blackswan is not only our debut in the UK, but the latest milestone of our international expansion strategy.” Gábor Futó, founder and majority owner of Futureal Group said: “The Blackswan team shares the same values Futureal Group was built on: integrity, creativity, perseverance and team spirit. We also share a common desire to build lasting value for the communities we are working in by creating great new buildings, vibrant public spaces, respecting and building on heritage and having the imagination and commitment to pursue transformational urban renewal projects.” Tony Haran said: “This is a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham’s residential sector and could facilitate the delivery of up to 2,500 new homes in the city by an experienced and well-financed developer.  “Cordia has big ambitions for the UK and it is a testament to Birmingham’s place on the international investment stage that it has been chosen first, as the stepping stone for their plans.” Blackswan focuses on residential-led mixed-use developments in the West Midlands region. Projects currently include The Lampworks, a 124-home build-to-rent apartment scheme and The Gothic, an ambitious reanimation of listed and heritage buildings which will create a new residential and leisure destination. Both developments are located on the edge of Birmingham City Centre, in the Jewellery Quarter. Blackswan Property was founded by Marcus Hawley in 2009 in order to develop well-designed homes in places where real people want to live their lives with a sense of community. The company sale seeks to ensure that this vision can be brought to life by combining Blackswan’s local market knowledge and expertise with Cordia’s experience in the delivery of large-scale residential projects across Europe for more than 15 years.  “2020 has clearly been a challenging year for everyone, but we are very happy to bring some positive news to the region with this deal, especially in terms of the number of homes we will now be able to build and the number of jobs we will create both in our team at Blackswan, on our construction sites and eventually in our commercial spaces,” said Marcus Hawley.

The sense of pride and security of owning land is quite satisfying. The financial incentive is also among the top reason people invest in land, as unlike other assets, its value doesn’t depreciate. The best part is that with the readily available vacant land for sale from reliable and reputable services, you can comfortably find a parcel that matches your needs. Buying raw property isn’t the end, as that doesn’t bring any income. Developing on vacant land requires due diligence, as it can quickly drown your finances and leave you stranded. If you are considering investing in land, here are a few tips to ease your endeavours and ensure that you embark on a profitable venture. Have a solid plan Why are you buying the land? Do you intend to build a single/multifamily property or a commercial structure? As you hit the market, establishing the “why” helps you to narrow the options based on your needs, ensuring that you don’t buy the first parcel that pops on your search. This also helps in financial planning, as you can research a little more, find out how much you need, and seek financing from institutions such as banks if necessary. With a solid development plan, getting financing is easier, not to mention that chances of making an impulse purchase are lower, enhancing the productivity of your investment quests. Find the land Finding the best vacant land isn’t simply considering the location. You’ll have to research a lot more, determine the growth potential, and establish if there are signs of hazardous waste and any other issue that might affect your investment value. Price is also a significant consideration while selecting a land parcel, but going for the cheapest available piece isn’t the most favourable approach. While considering the cost, don’t forget to factor considerations such as how much it would cost to develop the land following your plans, noting that it could significantly influence your investment’s profitability. From development forecasts, building costs and utility extensions costs, among other considerations, you need to be as thorough as possible to ensure you purchase a parcel worth your hard-earned cash and with the potential to deliver desirable returns within a reasonable period. Consider the Drawbacks Every investment has its drawbacks, and as lucrative as land is, it also has a set of challenges. Ignoring such concerns could cause significant problems along the way to the extent of frustrating your endeavours. Development plans don’t always go as planned, and if you fail to factor in such concerns, the chances are that the slightest hiccup will frustrate your progress. Even with thorough research, during the development phase, you might uncover concerns such as huge boulders under the surface that derails the process, or old wells, cemeteries and septic system to mention a few issues. Accounting for such drawbacks lets you devise a strategy to cope with the situation in a calculated way to enhance the development’s success rate. Developing raw land might be a demanding process, but the results are rewarding. With a keen eye and attention to details, you can find vacant land for sale and spot the right parcel matching your needs and with great potential.