Jewellery business moves into ‘Carnaby Street’ of Nottingham
A jewellery business has expanded into Nottingham city centre after moving onto one of the city’s main shopping streets.
Katie Freeley is currently fitting-out her new Keishi Jewellery store and bespoke design studio in Nottingham’s Bridlesmith Gate – and will open her doors to the public in January.
Property company ALB Group has been snapping up empty retail units in Bridlesmith Gate, which had become a shadow of its former self due to the closure of a number of key retail outlets and the malaise around the partially demolished former Broadmarsh shopping centre.
Arran Bailey, managing director of the Nottingham-based firm, last month announced plans to attract a new generation of independent retailers to the area and create a “Carnaby Street of Nottingham”.
Already, companies like fashion trainer brand Sneakrverse have taken advantage of the more affordable rents and shorter-term leases offered by ALB Group through its agent Box Property.
Freeley, who founded Keishi Jewellery in 2012, says her new premises will offer the kind of bespoke one-to-one consultation and engraving services that a growing number of customers are seeking these days.
“It was so encouraging to see that ALB Group has committed to improving the Bridlesmith Gate area,” she said. “It’s got so much history and it will be great to be a part of something so important.
“It’s a fantastic location and we’re really excited about becoming much more visible than we’ve been before.”
She said that Keishi Jewellery has outgrown its existing premises at Cobden Chambers, off Pelham Street in the city.
ALB Group has bought 11 properties in Bridlesmith Gate and a further two units in nearby Lister Gate, including the former Shoezone store, which has now been taken over by indoor axe-throwing range Hatchet Harry’s.
Arran Bailey said: “We are delighted to welcome Katie and her gem of a business to Bridlesmith Gate. It’s exactly the type of business that will help to make this area of Nottingham sparkle again.”
Frankie Labbate, director of Box Property, said: “Arran Bailey’s vision and passion for breathing new life into the Bridlesmith Gate area has been infectious.
“As a result, we’re seeing lots of interest from exciting, independent businesses like Keishi – and before too long, Arran’s dream will become a reality.”
