Developer moves swiftly to revitalise part of Derby city centre
A developer credited with helping to save part of Derby city centre from dying out has managed to fill all of its vacant units.
ALB Group has spent the past three months buying empty premises on Albion Street and East Street and renting them to independent retailers.
Specialty coffee shop The Barista Lab, Hatchet Harry’s axe-throwing venue and lifestyle fitness boutique Pace are all set to move into the area.
ALB also owns the upper floors of 1 Albion Street and has secured planning permission to convert the property into apartments.
Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, said: “Some people might have said we were setting our ambitions too high, but we are proud to say we have done what we set out to do – to attract fresh, independent names to Derby’s high street.
“We’re delighted to have been able to facilitate a revitalised shopping environment that people want to visit.”
The developer has also exchanged contracts on the building formerly occupied by Burton menswear with the American-style burger business Boo.
Estée Coulthard-Boardman, surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, acted as marketing agent on behalf of ALB.
She said: “It has been a pleasure working with ALB Group on the letting of these units and I am really pleased to have been involved.
“They are a proactive landlord who have been willing to reduce rents to allow local businesses the opportunity of a high street unit and help revitalise the city centre.
“To have achieved two lettings and have another unit under offer in just a couple of months of bringing the properties to market is fantastic.
“Albion Street has really struggled with vacancies in the past few years so this is a big news story for Derby, and I am hopeful this activity will encourage other occupiers to the high street.”
