Two iconic buildings in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market have been sold for the first time in more than 40 years, following a deal overseen by Ross Whiting.
Two of the three buildings in the 46,000 sq ft commercial portfolio, that was brought to market last year have been bought by ChurchSuite from developers Spenbeck – 35-37 St Mary’s Gate and 2-6 Broadway. The properties will continue to be used for high quality office space with the buyer also moving their own operation into the premises, with the remaining building at 8-12 Broadway still being marketed.
ChurchSuite is a leading provider of church management software led by managing director Gavin Courtney. He said: “I’m excited to be able to pick up and continue the incredible work Spenbeck has done with these historic buildings. I genuinely believe that for a city to thrive, it has to offer inspirational places of work for creative businesses – that’s what The Lace Market offers.
“I look forward to playing my part in continuing to preserve Nottingham’s heritage, while giving small and medium businesses a place where they can be proud to come to work, inspired by the beauty and history of these buildings.”
The portfolio had been put on the market by developers Spenbeck earlier this year and includes the stunning Birkin Building and adjacent properties 2-6 Broadway and 35-37 St Mary’s Gate.
Originally the headquarters of a leading lace manufacturer, they are more recently used and known for providing quality office space to Nottingham’s creative quarter, and as the former home of the popular LGBT+ nightclub Propaganda.
Ross Whiting, our director who oversaw the deal, said: “These buildings are synonymous with Nottingham’s rich history and character. They are an iconic part of The Lace Market and Creative Quarter, and so to have facilitated the passing of the torch from Spenbeck to ChurchSuite has been brilliant.
“The remaining showpiece of the portfolio, The Birkin Building, will be relaunched on the market, with interest already being shown for its offering. Being based in Nottingham, Innes England is proud to have played a part in the city’s continuing history.”
The S-shaped Birkin Building, built in 1854 to the designs of distinguished Victorian architect Thomas Chambers Hind, was the international headquarters of lace manufacturers Birkin and Co. and is one of the most significant sites in the city’s industrial and architectural heritage.
Deciding to sell the portfolio was a “huge emotional wrench,” to Spenbeck co-owners Becky Valentine and Victoria Green. Their father, Mich Stevenson, founded the company with his brother Don in 1981, spurring on the long-term regeneration of The Lace Market, bringing the historic buildings back to life and making the area the industrial and leisure hub it is today.
Victoria Green said: “These buildings are very special to us, so it was really important to us that the new owners would continue the legacy that Spenbeck has left behind in terms of building sustainable communities for years to come. We’re very pleased that the buildings are in really good hands and that they are continuing the family business ownership that has been part of the portfolio for generations; we couldn’t have wished for a better replacement.”
The final building is on the market for £1,850,000.