Willmott Dixon builds on growth in Nottingham city

L to R - Craig Straw, Mark Sanders and Nick Heath

Contractor Willmott Dixon has relocated its Nottingham operation into the city centre following a deal overseen by property consultancy Innes England.

The firm announced its plans to move from Phoenix Park on the outskirts of the city to new premises at Lock House at MIPIM, the world’s largest property exhibition, last month in a move that underpins its commitment to Nottingham.

Craig Straw, director at Innes England, handled the tripartite deal which saw expanding financial firm Oakbrook Finance relocate to Accelerate Places Nottingham in Wollaton Street and the contractor move into Lock House.

He said: “Oakbrook Finance has experienced significant growth since moving to Lock House less than two years ago and was looking for larger premises to accommodate that expansion, vacating Lock House in the process.

“Lock House offers high quality, modern office accommodation which is really lacking in Nottingham city centre, so there was a great deal of competition for the space from potential tenants looking for city centre premises.

“We were very pleased to be able to agree terms with Willmott Dixon who were very keen to move their Nottingham operation into the city centre, as well as being able to facilitate Oakbrook’s relocation to tech hub Accelerate Nottingham.”

Willmott Dixon has moved its 50-strong team to Lock House as part of its plans for expansion and commitment to the city. Willmott Dixon officially opens its Nottingham office on 28 April.

Operations director for the East Midlands at the firm, Nick Heath added: “We had been looking at moving our operation away from Phoenix Park and into the city centre for some time, and had been searching for suitable premises.

“The space at Lock House is hugely different to that we had previously been occupying and we have now made the shift to a modern, one team collaborative approach to working, in an open plan office that has been designed by our in-house interiors and design team.

“We are very pleased to finally open our doors in the city centre at what is such an exciting time for Nottingham with schemes such as the intu Broadmarsh area regeneration coming to fruition.”

Oakbrook Finance becomes one of six businesses located at Accelerate Places Nottingham, which has ambitious plans to attract the top talent in the region within its space.

Mark Sanders CEO of Accelerate Places, said: “We’re delighted that Oakbrook Finance are joining us in Nottingham and becoming part of our community of high growth, ambitious, technology-enabled businesses. We look forward to seeing their future success and the contribution they can make to our community.”