Review on Morton Works in Sheffield

Morton Works is likely to appeal to young professionals unfazed by the prospect of trams rattling past at all hours and ­­the host of other West Street distractions  those for whom time is precious and a central location is top of the check list.

Morton Works takes its identity  and acquires instant character - from the converted listed building that stands at the heart of the development. An uncompromisingly modern nine-storey new-build extension has been wrapped around it and towers above the old Mortons cutlery works that make up much of the West Street frontage.

Axis, the local architects behind Morton Works, has a track record in designing successful contemporary conversions. Axis design for Cornish Place, a conversion of mill buildings beside the Don at Kelham Island, won national awards. The firm are currently involved with several other developments projects around the city, including Leopold Square and Smithfield.

Morton Works should be completed in its entirety by May 2005 and a show flat is due to open before then. Even while construction continues, the agent, has been conducting on-site visits for viewings. Morton Works incorporates over 50 apartments and 29. One-bedroom apartments range in price from £98,000 to £115,000; two-bedrooms from £120,000 to 179,000.

Apartments at Morton Works are not the most spacious. They range in size from upwards of 30 square metres for a one-bedroom to around 50 to 60 square metres for a two-bedroom flat.

A bonus is that many apartments on the higher floors have Juliette balconies. Some on the eighth floor come with attractive decks. Great views of the city and its surroundings are to be had from both. Hidden away within the Morton Works development there is also an inner courtyard.

Those who buy at Morton Works can be virtually anywhere within the centre in five minutes. The range of walking-distance shopping and entertainment available is enormous  from the nightlife and boutiques of the Devonshire Quarter one block down on Division Street, to John Lewis on the other side of City Hall. There is a Tesco Express handy for Morton Works a little further along West Street.

If considering Morton Works do think about what comes along with the territory. There are numerous bars around here, including the Walkabout just across the road. Two units on the ground floor of Morton Works itself are likely to suit a shop and a bar or restaurant.

Naturally this means that rowdy types may be stumbling home under your window at 4am. A rear apartment would be the quietest option, but youll have to sacrifice your city view. In any case, the good news is that most of the Morton Works apartments are either high up or set back from the road, or both. Those living lower down my risk sleep deprivation unless the sound insulation is excellent.

Morton Works West Street location can be an intimidating place to walk alone at night. Muggings have been on the increase in the area and throughout the city centre.

Local transport couldnt be easier. The City Hall tram stop is seconds from your door and there is similarly easy access to buses. Parking spaces are optionally available with apartments at Morton Works, for an additional £15,000-16,000. This may seem a lot, but is not particularly expensive by Sheffield city-centre standards.

Morton Works does not have a great deal to offer families, who may prefer a more relaxing and safe environment. For those that might consider it, Springfield Primary achieves average ratings for the city, while Silverdale, the catchment area secondary, performs well.

If its a buy-to-let investment that youre after, you shouldnt have any problem in the current market in letting out a Morton Works property to young professionals.

Morton Works will appeal to those who love the buzz of the city and can live with its foibles. That is to say those who dont mind dodging the odd drunk on the way home, or reaching for the earplugs as the council street cleaning team arrive an hour or two later. If you fall into this category and work nearby, living at Morton Works may allow you to make the most of both your weekdays and your weekends.