A row of historic Grade II listed buildings in Nottingham city centre are to be converted into houses after they were sold to a local property developer.
43 – 59 Castle Gate and Severns House, on Castle Gate, have been bought for an undisclosed sum by private developer Mark Cavell from Nottingham City Council.
The properties, which comprise eight interconnected houses (43 – 57) and one ancillary part (59), as well as Severns House, total approximately 12,000 sq ft. They were originally built as dwellings and date back as far as late medieval times.
Most recently the buildings were used by Nottingham City Council as a costume museum and ancillary offices. Severns House housed the city’s Lace Centre, until its closure in 2009. The properties require extensive works to restore them to their original state.
Mr Cavell, who has extensive regeneration experience in Nottingham, plans to convert the buildings into seven houses and one commercial property.
Property consultants Bruton Knowles advised the Council on the sale.
Cllr Graham Chapman, deputy leader of Nottingham City Council and portfolio holder for Resources and Neighbourhood Regeneration, said: “For the first time in a large number of years, these will be residential properties again. Castle Gate will have a new lease of life thanks to this development. The neighbourhood will benefit from having new permanent residents and locals and visitors alike will benefit from a much-improved gateway to the castle.
“It’s good to know the plan for these properties is a sympathetic restoration to their original purpose. I look forward to seeing them when the work is complete and enjoying the renewed character they bring to the area.“
Sam Spencer, associate in the agency team at Bruton Knowles in Nottingham, said: “The buildings’ history and heritage, combined with their location opposite the Castle in an area being heavily promoted by the City Council, make this an exciting development opportunity.
“The Council have been seeking a solution to retain the valuable heritage in these properties for some time and we are therefore pleased to have assisted it in bringing the deal to fruition.”
