Commercial property consultants OMEETO have completed a deal which will transform a landmark site in Belper into apartments.
The three-storey former warehouse in Derby Road was built in the early 1800s and is Grade II listed. It was originally used by renowned hosiery company Ward, Brettle and Ward – supplying cloth, hosiery, haberdashery and blankets to London’s drapers for decades and was latterly occupied by motorcycle lubricant manufacturer FUCHS Silkolene.
The buildings have laid empty for several years and have been sold to AG Group in Hilton who recently secured planning permission to convert the buildings into 16 two bedroom luxury apartments.
AG Group founder and CEO, Allister Gardiner, explained: “With planning permission approved and the sale of the site agreed, we look forward to restoring these currently vulnerable buildings and creating a sympathetically designed development which will ensure the longevity of the history and character of one of the few remaining warehouses of this era.
“We are committed to transforming this prominent but underutilised brownfield land so that it makes a positive contribution to the on-going regeneration of this local area.
“The buildings will be repaired and as much as possible of the original structure, windows and interior – including cast iron columns – will be retained.”
Chris Wright, director of OMEETO, said: “I am delighted to have been involved in the sale of this landmark site and look forward to AG Homes starting work on the regeneration re-development.
“I live in the local area and have a long-held passion for the restoration of historic buildings so I know just what a positive impact this scheme will have on the local area.”
