Ex-Kodak employee buys new apartment in the same building he once worked in

23/12/10

KD Tower external Many people strive to find the ideal work-life balance, however Chris Durrant took this one step further when he purchased a new apartment in the same building he once worked in. Dandara began transforming the former Kodak headquarters building in Hemel Hempstead into its award-winning Image development, Mr Durrant who was previously a Kodak employee, purchased one of the luxury one bedroom apartments.

Local Resident

As a former Kodak employee and a local resident, Mr Durrant was interested in finding out what was happening to his former workplace. Living across the road from the building meant that he was able to monitor Dandara’s plans for the tower and when the marketing suite opened he was one of the first visitors through the door.

Commenting on Image, Mr Durrant said: “I live right across the road from Image so I was able to see some of the signage being put up from my window. Having worked in the tower I was eager to find out what the developers had planned and visited the marketing suite more out of curiosity than having any firm intention to buy a property.”

Nothing quite like it in Hemel Hempstead

“When I viewed the plans for Image, I immediately thought that it would be a good long-term investment and was one of the first people to reserve an apartment. My decision to buy was based on a number of factors including the high specification and the incredible views, but it was the fact that the apartment was on the very floor I once worked on that really sealed the deal. Image is a one-off development and there is nothing quite like it in Hemel Hempstead and after numerous visits to the marketing suite I eventually decided that I would live in the apartment when it was finished rather then let it out.”

“I undoubtedly feel a strong connection to the building itself. When I worked in the original building it was one of my first jobs and it was the experience I gained there which has helped me succeed in my career. If it was not for my time working in the Kodak Tower, I would not be in the position to buy an apartment in the refurbished KD Tower as it is now known today.”

Excellent value for money compared to Watford & St Albans

Having witnessed the transformation of his former workplace from his window, Mr. Durrant is convinced that Hemel Hempstead offers excellent value for money in comparison to surrounding areas such as Watford and St Albans.

Commenting on Hemel Hempstead Mr Durrant said: “Hemel Hempstead has been transformed over recent years and I have seen the benefits that this regeneration has brought to the area first-hand. I definitely think that Hemel Hempstead offers some excellent investment opportunities as properties in nearby areas, such as St Albans and Watford, cost so much more to buy. The Kodak Tower was always an iconic landmark within Hemel Hempstead and I think the refurbished building will now become a focal point for the areas regeneration and the building will symbolise the start of a new era for the town.”

Wow factor

For Chris Durrant the waiting will be over in late 2010 when he moves into his new 15th floor apartment which he describes as having the “WOW factor”. He is also looking forward to seeing shops and restaurants opening at the piazza area of Image – “Everything seems to have been taken care of here, the potential shops and restaurants, the new bridge linking the development to the centre of town, the shuttle service which I can see myself using when I need to get to the train station. All that is now left is for me to move in and I am very excited – it can’t come round fast enough”.