The former home of one of the Midlands’ longest established firms has been sold for social housing development, with the help of expert advice from leading law firm FBC Manby Bowdler.
SJ Dixon & Son Ltd’s old head office and warehouse on Cleveland Road, Wolverhampton, will be developed for affordable homes and apartments as part of the regeneration of the city centre.
FBC Manby Bowdler senior partner Andrew Wynne oversaw a dedicated team of property and planning specialists advising on the sale for SJ Dixon & Son Ltd managing director Tim Dixon.
SJ Dixon & Son Ltd was established in 1854 as a paint and wallpaper company and had been based at Cleveland Road since 1960. With the fifth generation of the family at the helm, it has now moved to a new base in the former Buck and Hickman site in Cooper Street.
The Cleveland Road site will now be developed for 93 homes and apartments, to be managed by Walsall Housing Group and the YMCA.
Andrew, who specialises in advising businesses on commercial property matters, said he was delighted to have helped conclude such an important sale.
“SJ Dixon & Son Ltd are one of the most historic companies in Wolverhampton and it is wonderful that they are now entering into a new chapter in their history.
“The sale is also a major step forward for Wolverhampton City Centre, both in terms of providing the accommodation which is so urgently needed, but also kickstarting another phase of regeneration.
“We have enjoyed a longstanding and deep relationship with SJ Dixon & Son Ltd, and that history means we have been able to give bespoke and individual advice to be able to conclude this sale.”
Tim Dixon said Andrew and the team’s expertise had been invaluable throughout the deal.
“There has been a considerable amount of back and forth involved in the sale, with a number of parties involved, and Andrew has worked superbly to bring everything together.
“The former Hansom Cab factory – which is a Victorian building and one many people will know – will become apartments managed by the YMCA, meaning the site will continue to play an important role in the future of the city.
“As a company, we have worked with FBC Manby Bowdler for a considerable time and are always delighted with the quality of advice and support we receive.”
Tim said the company was now focusing on designer and exclusive wall coverings through its Beautifulwalls website as it continued to innovate for the future.
FBC Manby Bowdler, which has offices in Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Knowle, near Solihull, is one of the Midlands’ most successful law firms, with its solicitors and lawyers regularly featuring in national guides to the best professionals in the sector.
It recently secured a £30million investment from Horizon Capital as part of ambitious growth plans for the next 18 months.
