How Magnet’ s kitchens are raising the bar for urban build-to-rent
Inside the kitchen specialist’ s role in Halifax’ s landmark Bolt Works development
Transforming a car park into 122 high-spec apartments is no small feat. But that’ s exactly what Placefirst and Caddick Construction set out to achieve at Bolt Works in Halifax, bringing new life to the former Old Cow Green car park site and creating the town’ s first dedicated build-to-rent( BTR) community.
As the appointed kitchen partner, Magnet Projects was tasked with delivering and fitting fully finished kitchens throughout the development, on time, to spec, and to the high standards expected of modern rental living.
“ These schemes are all about reliability and finish,” says Chris McManus, B2B Director at Magnet.“ When you’ re building a BTR community from the ground up, the kitchen plays a huge role in that first impression. We’ re proud to have delivered a quality product that complements the overall vision.”
Magnet Projects brought decades of experience in large-scale housing to the table, along with its ability to flex delivery models to suit the needs of the build. For Bolt Works, that meant providing full supply and install services, streamlining the programme, reducing handover points, and ensuring every kitchen landed exactly when needed.
At the heart of the service was Magnet’ s end-to-end project management. Each unit was precisely designed and coordinated using CAD tools, overseen by a dedicated team who managed everything from initial spec through to remedials. This allowed Caddick Construction to focus on the wider programme, with full confidence the kitchens would be installed to plan.
“ We specialise in doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes so our clients can focus on the build,” Chris explains.“ That includes design, delivery coordination, timed drops, install and a snag-free handover.”
As a brand, Magnet also brought credentials that aligned perfectly with Bolt Works’ sustainable ambitions. Every cabinet installed is FIRA Gold-certified for long-term durability and made with FSC-certified timber, supporting the low-carbon, future-proofed ethos of the development. Bolt Works itself incorporates photovoltaic panels, air-source heat pumps and MVHR units, aiming to set a new benchmark for energy efficiency in West Yorkshire.
Beyond sustainability, the project benefitted from the trust Magnet commands among residents. With over 100 years of manufacturing and award-winning heritage, the brand adds a layer of reassurance, especially important in BTR, where tenant satisfaction drives occupancy and retention.
“ We often say we’ re the name residents already know and more importantly, the one they trust in their home,” says Chris.
The company’ s commitment to social value also plays a part in many of its projects, whether through kitchen donations, charity initiatives, or local engagement. That’ s increasingly vital in urban regeneration schemes like Bolt Works, where community impact matters.
With 122 kitchens delivered and installed to plan, the Bolt Works project stands as a showcase of how the right kitchen partner can bring both quality and certainty to high-density housing.
www. magnet. co. uk
Chris McManus, B2B Director at Magnet