Move to revive city shop fronts’ historic splendour
TWO of Nottingham’s historic buildings could be restored to promote the city’s rich history.
The city council has received planning applications for the restoration of 17 Angel Row and Gordon House, in Carrington Street.
The buildings would undergo repairs to their facades and their historic shop fronts would be restored.
The Georgian building in Angel Row is home to Cardzone on the ground floor and Chameleon Arts Cafe on the first floor, both of which would stay.
Plans include replacing the existing shop front with a traditional one which reflects the earlier character of the building, with hardwood frames and hand-painted signage. The application is by Paul Taylor.
The Carrington Street property dates to the 1920s in the beaux-arts classical style.
It began life as the home of T. Ship- side Ltd, distributor of the oncepopular Morris and Singer vehicles and its main car showroom was housed there in the late 1920s.
Close to the Broadmarsh area, which is undergoing a huge transformation, the building “will create a new offer of vibrant retail space”.
Bhatia Best Solicitors would continue to occupy the upper floors. The application is the name of a Mr Bailey.
Residents were pleased by the plans and thought they would bring historic charm back to Nottingham.
Tom Robertson, 33, of Lenton, said: “I think that sounds a really interesting idea. Nottingham is famous for its rich history, so it will look cool with the buildings highlighting that.
“I’m interested to see how it turns out. It’s nice they’re being shown some TLC.”
Sarah-jane Richardson, 44, of West Bridgford, said: “That’s a lovely suggestion and I think we should be proud of our historic buildings and look after them.
“I think it’ll get people’s heads turning.”
City councillor Jane Urquhart, portfolio holder for planning, housing and heritage, said: “The Heritage Action Zone and Carrington Street Area Townscape Heritage schemes put heritage at the heart of Nottingham’s development.
“Some of our historic buildings are showing signs of neglect but with a little investment and imagination they can become an asset for the city’s economy again.
“The transformation of these two important historic buildings will greatly contribute to the city’s regeneration, providing a catalyst for heritage-led regeneration alongside the transformation of Nottingham Castle and the ambitious regeneration of Nottingham’s Southern Gateway.
“Nottingham is proud of its past and ambitious for its future and heritage-led regeneration is a fantastic way to restore the city’s historic character, boost tourism and create jobs.”
After the applications were submitted, architects and the buildings owners are working on applications for conservation area grant funding.
Nottingham’s Heritage Action Zone is a five-year programme (2017 to 2022), worth £2.7m and includes 17 projects intended to revitalise the city centre.
It includes grants for historic properties in Old Market Square, the Lace Market and Sneinton Market Conservation Area. Funding comes from Historic England, Nottingham City Council, Bromley House Library and the private sector.
The conservation area grant schemes aim to improve the attractiveness of the city centre, breathe new life into some of the city’s neglected historic buildings and transform the city centre’s “at-risk” conservation areas.
They are also designed to boost the city’s economy.
With upwards of 12 million visitors per year, tourism in the city is worth an estimated £466m.
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