Solanki Holdings Group of Companies purchased Ribbesford House Estate for £450,000 with group chairman, Nirad Solanki, being left "overwhelmed" with support from the community. The company are seeking a sensitive redevelopment of the site and Mr Solanki was delighted with the number of local residents who turned out to meet him two weeks ago and …
Solanki Holdings Group of Companies purchased Ribbesford House Estate for £450,000 with group chairman, Nirad Solanki, being left “overwhelmed” with support from the community.
The company are seeking a sensitive redevelopment of the site and Mr Solanki was delighted with the number of local residents who turned out to meet him two weeks ago and show their support.
He said: “When we arrived, we were greeted by about 40 people – I couldn’t get out of the car. I was so overwhelmed by the amount of neighbours who had made the effort to come and meet me. They were all really happy. We were even invited to a garden party and ended up staying until 8pm. It was lovely – we’ve never felt so welcomed for a long time.”
Residents have now taken to social media to share their delight at the plans for the site with many saying it “sounds promising”.
Clair Amos said: “Brilliant it’s been saved”
Maureen Elizabeth Barter said: “A place with so much history and a lovely setting.”
John Smith added: “Good for you.”
The property was sold by Samuel Leeds, aged 34, who purchased Ribbesford House for £810,000 in 2018 as he believed it to be a “fantastic development opportunity”.
After spending over £3 million on the site, the millionaire put the property up for sale as the project had left him feeling “burnt out” and he had “fallen out of love” with the site.
Mr Solanki said he “fell in love” with Ribbesford House Estate as soon as he visited on March 6 and put in an offer on the same day.
Solanki Holdings Group of Companies currently has 22 projects on the go and specialises in restoring heritage assets.
The group’s portfolio includes London Mill in Leek, Staffordshire, Buxton Museum, Art Gallery and Magistrates’ Court, Hardwick Hall in Buxton, Harpur Hill Leisure Centre and more.
Mr Solanki sees the purchase of Ribbesford House Estate as the “start of a new chapter” for the site.
He said: “I want to fulfil what Ribbesford House Estate was back in the day. We have a lot of properties in our portfolio and this is the third former military base. I see it being restored as 12 apartments and then hopefully, if I can gain the confidence of the community and local council, I would like there to be a commercial angle.
“Whether that’s an art studio, offices or a farm shop, we’re not sure at this stage, but I really want to give the community the chance to enjoy the estate again. It won’t make millions, but it’s not about that, it’s about involving the community and preserving the estate for future generations.”
