A building with roots dating back to the early 18th Century has had new life breathed into it following its conversion to a small business centre.
West End House at 60 Oxford Street in Wellingborough town centre was originally built as a substantial residence comprising coach house, stabling, pleasure garden, conservatory and out-buildings. The house of coursed ironstone with ironstone ashlar façade, comprised three reception rooms, school room, 12 bedrooms, dressing room, bathrooms, kitchens and cellarage. It became Grade II listed in the 1950s and converted to provide offices – home to various legal practices including Sharman Jackson & Archer and in more recent times Wilson Brown.
After standing vacant for a number of years, a local investment company purchased the building with the intention of undertaking a sympathetic refurbishment of the main building; retaining original features including panelled dados and marble fireplaces. Phase one has now been completed and West End House Business Centre launched, providing independently-run offices for companies looking for flexible, professional space. Additionally occupiers can enjoy access to meeting rooms and kitchen facilities, along with the ease of inclusive rental packages.
Nick Morgan, a Director of R N Property Partnership LLP, said: “We had been looking for an investment opportunity in the area for a while and after serious negotiations we were able to secure West End House. We felt that it ideally lent itself to offer individual rooms and suites to local companies – particularly in light of the closure of the Innovation Centre on Church Street.”
The Centre has already reported a strong level of interest from business occupiers keen to benefit from being located in the heart of the town centre and following a successful marketing period – by local commercial property agent Prop-Search – five companies have already taken offices within the building.
Utilities Direct, TDS Group, the Care Bureau took occupation during 2015 and have recently been joined by SEO Moves and the charity organisation, Family Support Group, which supports families and carers affected by a family member’s substance misuse. FSL was founded in 2003 by a mother who herself was struggling to support a family member suffering from addiction, gaining full charitable status in May 2007.
Samantha Jones, an Associate Director at Prop-Search, added: “I first became aware of FSL and the important work it does back in 2009 when it launched an appeal after losing its base in the town – following the amalgamation of the NSPCC’s Wellingborough operations into its Northampton office. At that time I was able to identify new premises for the organisation and was delighted to assist them again with their relocation.”
Location is always a priority for FSL as it sees a lot of families and clients in the town centre, and West End House Business Centre was the perfect option being centrally located and with the benefit of on-site car parking. It offers the charity much need expansion space to enable it to continue to provide counselling and confidential telephone support services, as well as general administration.
The West End Business Centre is now fully let.
