Developer gets go-ahead for redevelopment of historic Worksop building

How the flats will look

Plans by developer ALB to create nine apartments above the former Burton menswear store in Worksop has been given the green light by Bassetlaw District Council.

The nine luxury, one and two-bed apartments will soon be released for local residents to rent or purchase once renovation is completed.

ALB will also renovate and subdivide the ground floor commercial unit, which has already been earmarked for an undisclosed tenant.

ALB will be spending over £800,000 on a complete redevelopment of the building.

Ed Hall, development partner of ALB Group, said: “We’re delighted that the council has approved our plans for this landmark building.

“It’s one of Worksop’s most prominent buildings, yet it’s fallen into disrepair over the past eight years due to neglect. We look forward to bringing the building back to life and helping to regenerate Worksop town centre.”

He added: “We’ve earmarked Worksop as a town close to our Nottinghamshire roots where we will continue to invest and develop.”

ALB, which has a group of companies able to purchase, build, run and manage its property portfolio currently has 400 homes under construction.

The company has also purchased Worksop’s former Magistrates Court, in Potter Street, and has submitted plans to convert it into apartments.

The building, which has stood empty since its closure in 2014, has become a target for break-ins and vandalism. ALB is planning to invest around £1.8m in its proposed Court House development.

Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, said: “We’re really keeping our fingers crossed for a favourable response from the council’s planning committee. Bringing yet another historic building back into use has got to be a positive move for the future of Worksop town centre.

“These developments will provide quality town centre accommodation for local residents keen to benefit from shops, restaurants and other amenities on their doorstep.

“The demand for this kind of accommodation has also increased in line with the growth of large warehouse and distribution operations in the area.”

The move by ALB has been welcomed by Bassetlaw District Council.

Beverley Alderton-Sambrook, head of the council’s regeneration service, said: “The former Burtons/Dorothy Perkins store had been vacant for some time and is regarded in the Conservation Area Assessment as having a positive contribution to the character of town centre Conservation Area.

“Suffering from a lack of maintenance over recent years, the regeneration of a redundant property, installation of period-styled window replacements, repair of the stuccoed façade and revitalisation of the street scene with an active use is greatly welcomed.

“It is envisaged that this building will form a key nodal attraction in its locational visibility, representing a catalyst for further redevelopment opportunities at other properties close by.

“The creation of nine self-contained apartments with good space standards contributes towards the housing requirement needed from the Worksop Central area and makes an effective use of the vacant upper floors into much needed new homes.”

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