A pair of listed buildings on a historic street in Nottingham could be transformed into flats. Bridlesmith Gate, which is famed for its architecture, has recently enjoyed a resurgence with a number of independent retailers moving in following a period of decline during the Covid pandemic.
The area was the main shopping street in the city up until the late 19th Century. Two buildings, numbered 48 to 50 and 52 to 52A, are designated Grade-II listed by Historic England.
They were initially registered in 1975 and were once used as residential homes, but have since been converted into shops, storage and office space. Sneakrverse is one such independent retailer to inhabit the ground floor of one building.
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Nottingham-based property developer ALB, established by Arran Bailey, is behind new plans to transform the upper floors of the two buildings into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Planning documents, submitted to Nottingham City Council, state: "The proposed scheme will occupy the existing footprint of the property, with no extensions or external alterations proposed.
“By utilising the existing footprint, the impact on the listed building will be limited along with impact on the Old Market Square Conservation Areas. Our proposal seeks to convert the existing retail storage units on the first, second and third floors into domestic accommodation, including one apartment on each floor, totalling 14 bedrooms over the three apartments.
“Access to the site will be gained via the existing entrance on Bridlesmith Gate, located between 52 and 54 Bridlesmith Gate, this access and stairwell is to be retained and will provide access to all floors.” On the first floor the developer has proposed a five-bedroom apartment, while the second floor would be fitted out as a six-bed apartment and the third floor would have three bedrooms.
Most rooms would have en-suite bathrooms. The street was recently given a burst of colour and contemporary flourish by creative organisation Carousel, which tasked a number of local artists with painting murals on the buildings.
The project was supported by ALB, The Nottingham Project and the Nottingham BID, and proved popular with many business owners and shoppers. Sally Longden, the owner of ladies’ clothing shop Stick and Ribbon, welcomed the regeneration of the area.
"It is just about keeping the city busy," she says. "It means there are more people that are around and keeps people shopping at local shops.
"The more people that are in the city, the better for us, really. As long as there is a balance. We need to encourage people into the city."
Fresh plans will not make any changes to the outside of the listed buildings, with minor alterations to the interiors proposed only, according to plans. "The existing listed building will be retained, and only internal changes will be made to preserve the heritage assets when viewed from the public highway," documents add.
"The final proposals are the result of a detailed design process that responds to the built and natural context of the site. Designs have been developed to ensure a sensitive design solution that maximises the potential of the site."
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