Shoppers have said that they are hoping the planned transformation of a "Soviet eyesore" would improve their town. A proposal has been put forward for the two floors of offices at Byron House on Front Street, Arnold to be turned into flats.
Under the plans the vacant offices would be converted into 12 self-contained residential flats. Locals said that the transformation of the top part of the building would be a positive, although there were some reservations over whether there was enough room and parking for the apartments.
Jean Lintorn, 70, who is retired and lives in Arnold, said that the current building resembled a "Soviet looking" block. It's a bloody eyesore at the minute. It looks a bit communist - like one of the those grey Soviet looking things.
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"The issue I can see is parking but maybe they could take some of the front path away for more spaces. It might as well become housing when we have a shortage if the offices are now empty."
Peter May, 69, who is retired and has lived in Arnold for the past four years, said: It is ideal. With the buses outside and all of the shops it is a good location.
"I would not mind living there at all. I suppose the only issue would be noise from the people outside but you've got to expect that if you live there.
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"Looks a bit tired at the minute. If it makes it look better then it really would be a good thing for the town."
Morris Haig, 70, who is retired and lives in Carlton, added: "It is very tired around here nowadays. I like Arnold but some of the buildings are showing their age now.
"There's not a lot of demand for office space is there. There's still a lot of shops, and its a good place to shop but maybe apartments would clean the building up."
Credit Crunch Carpets, the Pet Food Store and Oxfam, which occupy the ground floor of the building, have been told they can stay under the new plans. The boss of Credit Crunch Carpets, Ashley Roper, 46, said: "It's empty now so it is inevitable. But who has an office now days really after Covid.
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"It has to happen really doesn't it. What else are they going to do with it now, shops are closing everywhere and office space is not needed now.
"To keep it empty would be ridiculous, although it could create a bit of a parking nightmare at the back. There's a shortage in housing and people need places to live." The planning application is currently pending consideration by Gedling Borough Council.
