Work has officially started on a much-needed £13 million high quality build-to-rent residential scheme set to transform Nottingham’s Grade II listed former British Waterways building on the canal side area at Castle Wharf. The project, which is being developed in partnership with The Canal & River Trust (CRT), H2Ourban – the joint venture between bloc Group and CRT – and Citra Living, part of Lloyds Banking Group, will see the building converted to provide 95 residential units including 12 studios, 42 one-bedroom apartments and 41 two-bedroom flats, this includes a rooftop extension housing eight apartments. The scheme, which will help bridge the gap in Nottingham’s rental market, is set to breathe new life into the west of the city – helping to enhance a destination well known for its historic buildings. Richard Thomas, CEO for H2O, said: “H2O is committed to delivering high quality developments that go beyond providing much needed housing, creating thriving communities and promoting health and happy lifestyles as well. This project is the latest in our pipeline and follows this ethos to its core. “Working with our project partners, we’re revitalising an area of Nottingham with a brand new and modern offering, while maintaining and protecting enough of its character that we don’t lose its rich history. “The H2O partnership goes back two decades and specialises in creating exemplary waterside developments that provide both economic and social value, and this latest project certainly does that.” Located in the Canal Conservation Area, the six-storey former warehouse dates back to 1919 and was originally built to help move goods along the Nottingham and Beeston Canal. Ground floor amenity space for residents will also be included. Designed by Franklin Ellis Architects, it is being constructed by Jessops Construction Limited and completion is due in March 2025. Speaking about the project Andy Hutchinson, CEO of Citra Living, said: “Bringing disused buildings back in to use and regenerating areas into new communities is central to what Citra is about. Regenerating the warehouse at Castle Wharf will bring much needed homes to the area, allowing more people to live in the type of quality homes they want in the areas that give them access to the facilities and amenities they want.”

MK2 Real Estate, acting on behalf of Royal London Asset Management Property, has sold Unit 21 Thorpe Way, Leicester, for an undisclosed sum. The 93,000 sq ft prime distribution warehouse has been acquired by Wesleyan Assurance Society. Located on Grove Business Park, in Enderby, Leicester, within the established logistics ‘Golden Triangle’, the unit is let to fashion retailer White Stuff until 2028 at an annual rent of £706,276. MK2 was instructed to market the property for offers in excess of £11 million. Mark Rooke, director in MK2 Real Estate’s investment team, said: “We are pleased to have concluded the sale of Unit 21 to Wesleyan Assurance Society, on behalf of Royal London Asset Management Property. “The industrial and distribution market in Leicestershire has proven to be a strong performer over recent years, with rental growth above the national industry average. Coupled with high levels of demand for space in the region and a shortage of available and pipeline industrial stock, the investment fundamentals are compelling.” Joe Curlett, head of property at Wesleyan Assurance Society, said: “The acquisition of Unit 21, Grove Park, Leicester, is a great addition to Wesleyan’s growing commercial property investment portfolio.”

The Garage Bakehouse is moving into a 1,500 sq ft unit at Market Harborough’s E1 Welland Business Park. The bakery’s retail outlet is on Roman Way in the town – an area of huge commercial activity for Eddisons, where employees understand the bakery element of the business will move to E1 Welland Business Park to allow for business growth in expanding its current Roman Way setting.

Two major student accommodation schemes have been approved for Nottingham, creating more than 980 new bedspaces in the city. The first development, on Norton Street, on part of the former John Player factory in Radford, is to comprise two accommodation blocks of 7 storeys. Each block would accommodate a mix of studios and 3 to 10 bed cluster apartments, comprising 587 bedspaces in total. The ground floor of ‘Block D’ would have extensive communal and ancillary areas including a lounge, study area, gym, spa, laundry room, and bike storage. A lounge area with roof garden is additionally included at level 7. ‘Block E’ would also have a lounge area at ground floor level. Landscaped outside space is to be provided within a ‘green heart’ area. Hyson Green Developments are behind the plans for the site, currently a former car park. The second development, which sits at the junction of Wilford Road and Traffic Street, involves the erection of an up to 17 storey building. The site has historically been used for industrial and commercial purposes since the 1880’s and was latterly occupied by Sentinel House, used by Boots as offices and a laboratory. This was demolished and the site cleared in 2008. The site is currently hoarded and in use as a construction compound and parking area associated with the development of sites on Traffic Street. The scheme comprises 396 bedrooms across a range of cluster flats and studios. The lower ground, ground and first floors would accommodate communal facilities such as a gym, cinema, private dining space, games area, amenity spaces, meeting rooms, a cycle store, laundry and waste storage facilities. Externally, a sunken entrance space incorporates soft landscaping and tapering steps to provide informal seating, whilst a further courtyard space with soft landscaping and seating is also proposed. Jensco is behind the plans.

Charjen Capital has purchased the 19^th century Horsley Lodge Golf Club in Derbyshire for an undisclosed sum – with long-term, multi-million pound plans to transform the 200-acre site into one of the UK’s outstanding golf and lifestyle destinations. Led by Derbyshire-based entrepreneur Marc Brough, Charjen has kickstarted its overarching programme by enhancing the existing golf course and members’ areas – as well as refurbishing 14 hotel rooms and creating two new ones. In just three months since the purchase, Charjen has invested £500,000 on works to the golf course and equipment, members’ area and bar. With further significant investment on the horizon, Charjen has kicked off further plans for Horsley Lodge by applying for planning permission to demolish existing conservatories within the main members’ building to create brand new restaurants and terraces for member and non-members alike. Originally built by the Earl of Sitwell as a wedding present for his son in 1863, Horsley Lodge has earned a reputation as one of Derbyshire’s finest golf courses, country hotels and wedding venues, set in the foothills of the Peak District. Marc Brough of Charjen said: “We saw an opportunity to own one of Derbyshire’s finest golf courses in a stunning location and have grand plans to enhance the golf course itself – as well as upgrade the hotel and venue space in a sensitive and sustainable manner. “We have a three-year strategy to make the most of this vast, stunning destination, creating a larger wedding venue, enhanced facilities for golfers – including a new driving range with simulators – more rooms for guests to stay and, of course, an elevated dining experience for all, supporting local producers. “We intend to build on the existing success of Horsley Lodge – investing in a planned programme of works. We have short-term plans for refurbishment which includes the upgrading of the current wedding venue on site, and longer-term plans to create fantastic new facilities.” The former Horsley manor house was restored by the Salt family creating the golf club itself, retaining the original character and charm – from the sweeping drive into the exposed limestone walls and original tiled floors. In its current application to Amber Valley Borough Council, Charjen’s architect Sigma has set out transformational designs to create a high-end brasserie of 85 covers, a signature fine dining space with 18 covers and a chef’s table for eight people and private dining space for 22. There will be a kitchen garden growing produce for the restaurants and providing a stunning backdrop for diners – overlooking the garden and ninth hole. If planning is approved, the restaurants are expected to open later this year. “We are really excited about the new restaurants – creating a destination for diners locally and nationally and using the finest local producers in Derbyshire. Horsley Lodge will be opening its doors to members and non-members alike to enjoy all the fantastic upcoming facilities that we have in store,” added Marc. “The golf course will be at its core – and one we want to appeal to local and regional golfers and guests, but also create a venue that appeals to a national audience with the ‘Soho House’ crowd in mind,” he said. “We intend to put Horsley Lodge on the map as a great place to play golf, stay a few days, enjoy our fantastic dining experiences and leisure facilities – and of course, to enjoy this stunning part of Derbyshire and all that it has to offer.” In the longer term, Charjen intends to build a new wedding venue with space for hundreds of guests, further accommodation throughout the estate, a new state-of-the-art driving range and simulators, high end spa facilities and swimming pools. Charjen purchased Horsley Lodge from the Salt family. Lawyers involved in the deal were Browne Jacobson.

Following the recent letting of Unit 2, 158 High Street, Burton upon Trent, commercial property agent, Rushton Hickman, have let Unit 1, the remaining ground floor suite. In 2020, T&T Assets Limited acquired the building from Rushton Hickman and subsequently transformed the first and second floors into residential accommodation, while also renovating the ground floor into two premium retail / office units. The 351 sq ft retail space is in a prime location in Burton town centre, directly facing Station Street, a popular pedestrianised shopping area with heavy foot traffic. Sam’s BBQ & Bakes are the new tenant in Unit 1, 158 High Street. Run by a brother and sister duo, this new town centre spot offers a variety of traditional American slow smoked meats, such as pulled pork and beef brisket, all seasoned with their own special rubs. Taylor Millington, Surveyor at Rushton Hickman, who negotiated the deal, said: “I am confident that Sam’s BBQ & Bakes will be a great addition to the busy high street and we are excited to see them succeed due to their unique food offerings. We take pride in our efficient two-month turnaround time and this deal further emphasises the continuing demand for high-quality retail space.”

FHP have completed the letting of the first floor at Unit 5, Interchange 25 Business Park to Equans, a provider of technical services, FM, regeneration and energy services. Interchange 25 Business Park comprises a development of eight self-contained detached office buildings providing high quality office specification throughout, with a variety of occupiers including Air IT, Nurture Fertility, GPA Global, and Keepmoat Homes. Equans have taken 2,071ft² of open plan office accommodation with ample car parking spaces. Amy Howard, Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, said: “After a slow start with initial interest, it was a great result to secure Equans on the first floor offices. It was evident that the demand for the whole space of circa 4,000ft² was limited following on from a few viewings that resulted in no offers on the property. “We therefore looked at different options to secure full occupancy. The out-of-town office market continued to show a strong level of demand between the 2,000ft² and 2,500ft² size bracket, which resulted in us changing our marketing approach and offering both the whole space and on a floor-by-floor basis. “Once we added the additional availability options, it resulted in several further viewings and we secured Equans Ltd. Equans were a delight to work alongside from the start and they will be an excellent addition to the park. “Securing a tenant for the ground floor space is a priority for us in order to achieve full occupancy for our client, interest remains strong so we are hopeful to achieve this over the course of the next few weeks.”