As one of the UK’s leading developers and operators of BTR apartment buildings, Dandara Living currently has over 2,700 apartments under management and a growing portfolio of more than 7,400 homes, and since opening our first build-to-rent development in 2020, we’ve received numerous awards for design, value, and service.

As both developer and operator we have a unique insight into what really matters to our residents. The provision of high quality, well-managed homes is obviously the priority, but we place equal importance on the overall customer proposition and experience residents have living in our developments.

Social amenities creating community at Chapel Wharf

Sitting in a prime location within 5 minutes’ walk of Manchester city centre, Chapel Wharf has quickly become one of Manchester’s most popular places to live and is ranked 1^st in the city on the independent review platform, Homeviews.

Overlooking the River Irwell, it’s easy to see why. With beautifully landscaped grounds and courtyard gardens, full-length private balcony or terrace to every apartment, co-working spaces, house kitchens, regular resident events, and the two-storey gym, the physical and mental wellbeing of residents is a priority.

A gym to rival commercial options

Our social spaces are designed to help residents feel as comfortable and relaxed in shared areas as they do in their own apartments, so it was very important that the design of the gym and equipment selection would facilitate and encourage participation.

With both isolation and functional training needs equally catered for, and a wide range of classes on offer, the Chapel Wharf gym is free to all residents.

Set over two floors, is equipped exclusively with Technogym equipment. The ground floor features a large functional zone with a rig, a track and sled, Technogym Skill Tools, free weights, and a Smith machine. On the upper floor there’s a wide range of Technogym strength and cardio equipment, including Technogym Excite Live and Skill Line.

Technogym products were chosen for their quality, and high level of functionality to create a unique experience for our residents. For example, through the free Mywellness app, residents can track their progress, book studio classes, and enjoy supported training sessions with our external training partners. The gym’s studio space offers yoga, Pilates, bootcamp, and indoor cycling using Technogym Bike, or residents can join virtual classes in the privacy of their apartment via the Mywellness app.

90% uptake across 1000 homes

We knew we had to create something special for residents and when people come to view they are always surprised at the level of equipment we’ve got here. Over 90% of Chapel Wharf’s residents now using the gym which is open 24/7, and the space is never empty. The gym is frequently mentioned in online reviews of the development, and always gets great feedback in Dandara Living’s resident surveys.

As the way we live continues to change we will continue to offer flexible, hybrid amenities that cater to residents’ needs. Our approach proves the importance and value that customer experience brings and at Chapel Wharf the gym helps them focus on their health and wellness in holistic ways that support both body and mind.