German investors are again pumping money into Little Germany - an area of Bradford which owes its very name to the presence of rich German wool merchants in the 19th century.

The English arm of Garbe, one of Germany's most established developers, has bought three former wool warehouses in the conservation area and is busy converting them into apartments.

The multi-million-pound scheme represents one of the largest investments in Little Germany since the area's heyday, when imposing warehouses were constructed for the sale and storage of wool.

Garbe UK is transforming Tayson House, Hanover House and Gallon House into high-quality one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses.

Christopher Garbe, managing director of Garbe UK, said: "It seems fitting that a German developer should be bringing new life to Little Germany. Given the history and heritage of the area we have worked hard to deliver schemes of the highest possible quality.

"Bradford is a city with huge potential and this is beginning to be noticed by owner-occupiers and investors."

Square Foot Investments, a property specialist based in Bradford, has clinched a deal to become the sole sales agent for the three flagship residential schemes.

Mani Waheed, managing director of Square Foot, said "Bradford is undergoing a massive transformation.

"We're delighted to be working with such a respected developer as Garbe UK and on three high-profile schemes in what is becoming the prime city residential location - Little Germany."

Both Gallon House, in Vicar Lane, and Tayson House, in Chapel Street, are being converted into 19 apartments, due to be ready in August and October respectively. Hanover House, in Peckover Street, will become a 22-apartment complex and is due to be completed in February next year.

Maud Marshall, chief executive of Bradford Centre Regen-eration, said: "Garbe UK's involvement in Bradford's emerging city centre residential market demonstrates the commitment to Bradford's renaissance from major investors and developers.

"Gallon, Hanover and Tayson House will be first-rate developments which will further strengthen the residential quarter of Little Germany, revitalising the city centre."

Many of the original features will be retained in the buildings, with fitted kitchens, the latest integrated appliances, bathroom fittings, impressive entrance foyers, glass mosaic walls and 24-hour estate management.

Prices for Hanover and Gallon House start at £99,999 for one-bedroom apartments, rising to £259,000 for the luxury penthouses. A show apartment is available in Gallon House. To view it, call Square Foot on 08701 222629 or go to www.bradfordcityliving.co.uk

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