Neptune opening is out of this world for property group
A luxury lifestyle retailer has opened a new store in Birmingham, attracting widespread acclaim.
Neptune, which specialises in British-produced furniture and interiors, has established its first base in the city in a refurbished Edwardian property in Harborne Road, Edgbaston – part of the Calthorpe Estate.
The 7,534 sq ft space includes many of the building’s original features and the company said it made the perfect setting to showcase the kitchen designs, furniture collections, lighting and interior decorations.
The features include a double door entrance, cornicing, skirting and fireplaces plus a cut-string staircase with brass inlays and a solid oak banister has been added. The top floor of the three-storey property is enclosed by a glass-wrapped terrace.
Established in 1996, Neptune began trading from a farm workshop in Wiltshire before expanding to a network of 20 retail outlets with the addition of the Edgbaston store.
Store manager, Sarah McDonald said initial customer feedback had been very positive.
“People have been loving the room sets and gaining inspiration from the way the store is set out and how there are design consultation areas,” she said.
“With such a fabulous, large store, we have been able to show the whole range and with the wonderful bay windows and fireplaces set out different kitchen designs and room looks. It is a great way to show how you can coordinate living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens.”
The new Neptune store is next to OKA, another leading British interiors and accessories brand, and together they are part of the new wave of home furnishings arriving in Edgbaston Village.
Calthorpe Estates, which marks its tricentenary this year, has been investing in converting its period properties to meet the demands of high-end, independent and niche operators looking for bespoke facilities.
Harborne Road now has a stretch of new outlets, including Boston Tea Party that opened in July and The Physician that arrived last November.
Around the corner at Greenfield Crescent six new retail units are being completed to provide between 871 to 3,692 sq ft of space. Two of the units have already attracted interest with new operators looking to take additional units this year.
The retail offering has been enhanced further along Islington Row with June Peony Bridal Couture, Laghis Italian deli and restaurant and Fabulous & Classy Nails taking units. More retail and leisure space has just been released at the new development, 54 George Road, close to Five Ways station.
Matt Long, Portfolio Development Director at Calthorpe Estates said: “As we open more outlets, people are appreciating that we are offering an exciting opportunity for a completely different kind of Village destination that represents the very best of leisure and lifestyle brands. Edgbaston Village has already gained a nationwide reputation for some of the best food and eateries, we are enhancing the location by introducing new home outlets, wider retail and new leading health and beauty salons.”
