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 Work to transform former Jobcentre to get underway after year-long wait

Work to transform former Jobcentre to get underway after year-long wait

A derelict Jobcentre which has stood empty for more than two years is set to get a new lease of life when it is turned into flats.

Nottingham-based developer 2GP Ltd have secured the sale of the former Jobcentre Plus building, Crown House, on Lombard Street in Newark - a year after negotiations began.

The process was lengthy due to the sellers of the site taking some time to free up the property, which was part of a portfolio of other sites.

Now work is set to start on transforming the former three-storey office building into 18 high-spec one-bedroom apartments.

The 1970s-built concrete-framed building was sold by Nottingham commercial property estate agents and consultants FHP and bought for an undisclosed sum by 2GP.

The building was closed after the Government axed 100 Jobcentres across the UK.

But finally, 2GP is set to rejuvenate the disused landmark, turning it into ‘much-needed’ town centre housing.

2GP says by carrying out the ambitious project, it will revamp part of Lombard Street, which has been forgotten since the centre closure.

Paul Giles, managing director at Auction Estates, which acquired the building on behalf of 2GP, said:

“Newark is a very strong market town with great connections to London on the East Coast Mainline. There aren’t many historic market towns which continue their market tradition, which is what makes Newark so unique.

“Train connectivity is fantastic, and when teamed with its visual appeal, Newark has a very strong traditional sales market, and a buoyant rental market to boot.”

Planning permission for the new apartments was granted by Newark and Sherwood District Council in October 2019.

They are just a stone’s throw away from the brand new bus depot, and only a one minute walk from the town centre amenities. 

The apartments are expected to come to the market early next year.

The team behind the project have also been involved with developments such as the transformation of St Peters House in Derby into apartments, which is expected to be in a similar vein to those being created in Newark. 

Arran Bailey, director at 2GP, said:

“We are thrilled to be able to finally start work, after a year of complex negotiations and a lot of patience.

“This will be a high quality housing project, which will really boost that part of Newark. We are raring to go.”

2GP co-director Edward Hall added:

“Myself and everyone at 2GP are excited to begin developing this former office building into 18 one bedroom apartments and associated parking.  

"This is a well-known prominent building as you enter the town centre of Newark which is crying out for redevelopment.  It will now be brought back to life with style and quality.

"The development has a fantastic central location having easy access to all local facilities employment and transport."

 


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