Tax to Tustin Heights

Former tax offices in the seaside town of Lytham St Ann’s, once used by HM Customs & Excise, have been transformed into a block of luxury apartments courtesy of Tustin Developments; a Lancashire based property development and Investment Company.

The project started in 2017 and is now nearing completion with the final touches being put to the bathrooms which feature Kinedo shower cubicles from Saniflo. Once complete the apartments will be placed on the rental market in the upmarket seaside town. Within close proximity of large industrial businesses, the train station and excellent local amenities, the units are expected to be snapped up once available.

Formerly the dull and dated office block, known as Petros House, had been empty for 5 years. The on-going need for new housing in the UK has encouraged local authorities to look favourably on ‘change of use projects’ and planning permission had already been granted to convert building into residential accommodation. Tustin Developments, buoyed by the success of an office to apartment to project in Preston, jumped at the chance to buy the redundant building and together with an architect created the vision for the stunning conversion.

Externally the structurally-sound building was transformed with a front façade with large expanses of glass complete with a number of private balconies. Internally the space was reconfigured to create 36 individual, high spec apartments. Open plan kitchen, dining and living areas are flooded with light thanks to the abundance of glass and feature neutral décor for the tenants to create their own space, whilst 35 of the 36 flats feature two well-proportioned bedrooms.

Bathrooms are a crucial element in any build and great consideration was given to the fixtures and fittings. Working in collaboration with main contractor, MA Young and local plumber, Michael Deller, the team from Tustin Developments initially considered fully manufactured pods for the bathrooms. However, the costs proved prohibitive and owner, Andrew Roberts, recalled seeing the Kinedo cubicles in a brochure. With all the benefits, but at a more attractive outlay, he invited the Saniflo team to site. The Saniflo team went one step better and brought a cubicle along which was assembled on the spot to demonstrate ease of installation. The decision to specify Kinedo cubicles was also helped by another local housing scheme, Kensington Developments, which had successfully been using Kinedo for the bathrooms in their new housing sites. Andrew is exceptionally happy with his choice;

The cubicles have proved to be popular with the whole installation team. Malcolm Young is our contractor and he’s very hard to please, but he’s absolutely sold on them. The team of plumbers have said how straightforward the whole installation process is – in fact many of us would like one of these in our own homes. They look great and are easy to clean and maintain. The benefits on site are immense. Once they are installed we don’t have to have any follow-on trades, like tilers, because opaque glass internal panels are used to create the watertight space. No grout or silicone is required so it literally just takes half a day to fit a shower cubicle. That enables our workforce to quickly move onto the next job. I have to acknowledge the whole team at Saniflo. From the early initial enquiry through to completion of the final bathroom, the support has been quite exceptional. I can honestly say Saniflo’s reputation is richly deserved.

The Kinedo Eden cubicle has proved to be a popular model with mid-size housebuilders and developers, who appreciate the benefits of an integrated package that saves significant time for installers. The internal and external panels, shower tray, shower valve, rainshower head and handheld hose are supplied as standard equipment, along with all fittings. Delivered to site as one package a cubicle can save precious specification time and is least hassle for the plumber who would otherwise receive all individual items.

Perfect for bathrooms where space is at a premium – as in the Tustin Heights apartments – the Eden is available as a corner or quadrant and has the option of sliding or pivot doors which are reversible. Available – as you would expect – in a range of sizes to suit the modern bathroom, the smallest option is 800×800 whilst the largest is 1200 x 800; ideal as a walk-in solution. The exposed thermostatic valve doubles up as a handy shelf. All glass is treated with Cristal Plus, a permanent anti-limescale coating that minimises the build- up of calcium deposits and dirt on glass reducing the need to clean. Water runs off the glass without leaving streaks and watermarks.

The clever assembly process, whereby internal panels fit over the lip of the shower tray enabling all water to run off the panels into the tray, means a watertight environment can be created without the use of silicone. Without constant maintenance silicone can deteriorate and discolour in a humid bathroom environment. The same is true of grout, which can be notoriously difficult to keep clean. The Kinedo Eden requires neither; ensuring, with the right care, it always remains looking as pristine as the day it was installed.

A full range of cubicles to suit a variety of applications, including ranges for care-assisted showering, is available from Saniflo. Increasingly popular for all the reasons discussed the units can be found in not just in new homes, but are also popular for renovations, in holiday premises, in NHS buildings and student accommodation. The cubicle concept is particularly suited to timber framed buildings. Wood can move with the temperatures, potentially causing grout to crack. The panels of a cubicle simply move with the structure eliminating this possibility. Hence, Kinedo cubicles are specified by many producers of wooden chalets, pods and garden buildings with bathroom facilities.

Andrew Roberts, Managing Director, of Tustin Developments would recommend the units to anyone;

Without hesitation I would say any builder, developer, plumber or building manufacturer should consider the Kinedo cubicle range. There is a premium to pay but this is earned back quickly thanks to the swift, hassle free installation process, the time saving on specifying all individual elements and even simple issues like unpacking multiple boxes on site. The units look great and provides the perfect showering solution.