A SMALL North East architect firm is hoping to increase its sales this year and expand into Yorkshire after picking up a number of apartment contracts.

Newcastle-based CSM+ said it was benefiting from a steady flow of private housing contracts despite the problems facing the wider construction industry and now hopes to grow its turnover from £500,000 to £600,000 this year.

The firm recently began work on three listed properties for developers Michael Sehgal Properties (North East) Ltd at Framlington Place, just off Claremont Road in Newcastle.

After extensive consultations with the local planning authority and conservation officer, a planning application is now being considered for the conversion of the empty properties to high specification apartments, which would be completed in the summer.

Last month also saw CSM+ pick up work from contractor Project Solutions UK on a £220,000 development at 71 Clayton Street, Newcastle, which will see the conversion of the properties upper floors into four luxury apartments.

Will Moses, CSM+ partner, said: “We’ve enjoyed a very close working relationship with Michael Sehgal Properties (North East) for over 13 years but I think this is the fastest project we’ve ever put together for them.