FOR THE first time in four decades, a collection of Nottingham’s most historic lace warehouses have gone up for sale.
Designed by eminent architect T C Hine, we’re bringing to market The Birkin Building (2-6 and 8-12 Broadway) and adjacent property 35-37 St. Mary’s Gate in the heart of The Lace Market. The portfolio, built in the mid-1800s, will be sold in its entirety or in smaller lots.
After more than 40 years of fulfilling its founding vision of regenerating and preserving the heritage of Nottingham’s Lace Market, niche developer Spenbeck is selling its c. 46,000 sq ft commercial portfolio.
It includes three separate Grade II Listed buildings with 2-6 and 8-12 Broadway, known as The Birkin Building, and 35-37 St. Mary’s Gate, all of which are on separate titles and range from four to five storeys high. They are brick constructed and have substantial basement space below the buildings.
Spenbeck was founded by brothers Mich and Don Stevenson in 1981. Mich Stevenson is well known for ‘saving The Lace Market’ after he boldly championed the area back in the 1990s – and was awarded an OBE for his heritage regeneration over a 40year period. Second generation co-owners Becky Valentine and Victoria Green took up the mantle to head up Spenbeck, now with sustainability and interior design at its core.
The portfolio provides a range of good quality office accommodation and is currently occupied by a collection of the region’s brightest companies.
Becky Valentine said: “We are immensely proud that Spenbeck and the Stevenson family will forever be synonymous with the long-term regeneration of The Lace Market and our significant contribution to the cultural, social, historic, and economic heritage of the city of Nottingham. While both generations of Spenbeck recognise that the sale will inevitably be a huge emotional wrench, we are all excited about our new direction.”
Victoria Green added: “We were proud to have renovated The Birkin Building several years ago both internally and externally. From here, lace was exported around the world. The lace barons, together with the well-known Nottingham family, the Adams, built huge warehouses in an area which became known as The Lace Market.
“Where once lace was stored and finished for customers from around the world, smart offices for the 21st century were created using the original architecture. These buildings are hugely special not just to Nottingham, but to the UK.”
Our director Ross Whiting, who is handling the sale of the impressive investment portfolio, added: “The Lace Market has become well-established as a mixed residential, office and leisure area and is popular for city living, as well as being within a short walk of the vibrant area of Hockley, home to many of the city’s independent bars and restaurants. It is also recognised as an international award-winning Creative Quarter.”
The Lace Market area is home to some of Nottingham’s biggest cultural venues, including Nottingham Contemporary, The National Justice Museum and the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham and National Ice Centre.
The full portfolio is available to be purchased, with consideration given to selling the assets in smaller lot sizes.
For further information on the sale, contact Ross Whiting at Innes England on 07921 948 501 or rwhiting@innes-england.com.