Plans have been submitted to restore a historic building at a prominent location on Carrington Street in central Nottingham – contributing further to the improving streetscape of the Southern Gateway that links the railway station to the new Broadmarsh car park build and on into the city centre.
Nottingham-based architecture firm Rayner Davies has submitted the application, in partnership with property consultants Bruton Knowles, to fully renovate Gordon House, the 93-year-old building at 12 Carrington Street in line with the Townscape Heritage Scheme. Plans that will also boost the £250 million worth of rejuvenation works already underway at the Southern Gateway.
Rayner Davies Project Architect, Mark Welsford, said: “The transformation of this key approach into Nottingham is already underway and with visible results. Plans to further improve the areas around Station Street and Carrington Street are vital to connect with the new works underway around the Broadmarsh car park and bus station. The Townscape Heritage Scheme has been instrumental in encouraging local businesses to undertake substantial improvement works to significant buildings on this important thoroughfare.”
Bruton Knowles Managing Partner, James Bailey, said: “The restoration of Gordon House, together with the new build Broadmarsh bus station and car park opposite will indeed transform this section of Carrington Street and present a new experience for those thousands of pedestrians, businesses and visitors, that use this as a main route from station to city. As a result, redesigned ground floor units earmarked for new retail space are already generating much interest.”
The proposal includes plans to rejuvenate the frontage of the building, reinstating the fully-glazed windows that were in place in the 1920s when it was a furniture retailer of some repute and then an early car showroom selling popular British vehicles including MG and Wolseley in the late 1920s.
The ground floor will boast 356 sq m of vibrant retail space appealing to tenants looking to take advantage of widespread regeneration efforts and a high footfall location close to the heart of the city centre and a busy transport hub.
Upstairs the office space will continue to be occupied by Bhatia Best Solicitors who plan to create a brand-new reception area. And on the outside, careful cleaning and repair work will recondition the historic façade.
Plans have been submitted to Nottingham City Council and a decision is expected in mid-September.
In 2016, Nottingham City Council was awarded £682,400 of Heritage Lottery Funding to create the Townscape Heritage Scheme with the purpose of rejuvenating the Carrington Street area into an attractive entry-point for business visitors, tourists and potential investors.
The scheme will run until 2021 and comprises the restoration of historic buildings and a variety of community activities set about preserving the history of the area.
