Track record – developers Martin Johnson and Peter Broome launched Python Properties in 1997 .
Lancashire – “ nobody ’ s perfect ,” Martin jokes – both are passionate about their business mission .
Martin says : “ I was becoming exasperated by the enthusiasm for knocking down our historical buildings . We ’ ve made it our business that if there ’ s a decent building to be saved , we take an interest .”
Other flagship projects for Python Properties include the Co-operative Buildings on Linthorpe Road , developments in Bolton and Bradford , and its current home , the former steelworks buildings at Cargo Fleet .
Martin recalls : “ My dad , Fred Johnson , was an accountant and used to work there when it was the old steel company HQ .
“ I remember going to his office , sitting there in my short trousers . It was surrounded by steelworks back then – it means a lot to have the opportunity to restore it to its former glory .”
The Covid crisis has “ slowed things down a bit ”, with contractors having to operate in a Covid-secure way , while there ’ s also a slight backlog with materials . But in general , things are looking very encouraging .
Peter says : “ Last year was very successful and we ’ ve had the best start to a year we can remember . Possibly last year , people were holding back , waiting for things to get back to normal . Now they seem to be thinking , ‘ We can ’ t wait forever to move forward , we ’ re going to have to get on with it ’.
“ We ’ ve improved our tenant level and worked closely with them to ensure flexibility throughout the pandemic .”
Martin smiles : “ If they are happy and successful , our business is too , allowing us to continue to make improvements .”
A desire to do the right thing for the area is at the heart of Python Properties ’ ethos , as is establishing a community in its buildings , with tenants supporting each other .
Covid doesn ’ t seem to have affected demand for office space within Python Properties ’ buildings .
Martin says : “ We ’ ll see how it plays out but we ’ re making sure our buildings are the best in the area .
“ But we ’ ve never had so many inquiries about office space , so rather than there being less demand , the reverse is true for us .
“ And we have a flexible approach which allows people to downsize or upsize within our buildings – although usually they want to expand into larger space within the building .”
As for Boho Zero , Peter says : “ Royal Middlehaven House was the first building to be regenerated down there and it ’ s exciting to see it go full circle and be part of the greater regeneration scheme .
“ The recent Budget announcements were positive for the region and we look forward to seeing the local economy thrive and to carrying on refurbishing our buildings and improving them for the benefit of everybody .”
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