Build to Rent specialist Oblix Living has purchased former HMRC tax offices from Mapeley, in its first Build to Rent venture in the city. The Saxon House building on Causeway Lane sits opposite the High Cross shopping centre in the centre of Leicester.
The 89,000 square foot vacant building is set to be transformed into new homes, with planning approval for 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments granted in August 2021. Oblix Living is looking at options to redesign the scheme to meet current building regulations and bring in amenities such as a gym, residents’ lounge, workspace, car parking and a landscaped garden.
“At Oblix Living we’re looking to fill a gap in the private rental market, providing well-specified homes with the amenities that people want, but without pushing prices up beyond most people’s reach.
“We’re going to need to redesign the existing plans for the site to meet changes in building regulations, but this also gives us the opportunity to create communal spaces for residents including a lounge, workspace and gym.
“This site benefits from a location right in the heart of the city, within walking distance to shops, restaurants and bars and good transport links. We see it appealing to young professionals looking for a well-designed apartment alongside communal spaces where they can socialise or work from home.”
Rishi Passi, CEO, Oblix Living
Founded in 2020, Oblix Living is a developer, investor and operator of residential rental assets across the UK. It develops mid-sized schemes in urban areas where there is demand for serviced rental accommodation.
The company was founded by global real estate entrepreneur Rishi Passi and investment specialist Anthony James in 2020, with the vision of developing a portfolio of institutional grade residential assets throughout the UK.
Oblix Living is already on site in Sheffield with 95 apartments under construction at Iron Yard, and aims to expand into other towns and cities across the UK.
