Council budget cuts force youth charity to find new home
Commercial property specialists at East Midlands law firm Nelsons have secured a new location for Nottingham-based youth charity, Base 51.
After 30 years at Castle Gate on a funded lease from Nottingham City Council, the charity faced the need for a new headquarters due to budget cuts in 2022.
Nelsons, having worked with Base 51 for several years, was tasked with helping the charity secure part of the YMCA building on Peachey Street.
CEO Jo Jepson of Base 51, said: “Base 51 has been working with Nelsons for several years now, so they were the natural choice to help us navigate the lease of the new building for our charity. Liam and the team went above and beyond to negotiate the best terms for us, and now we are happily settled in our new building on Peachey Street, continuing to provide support for young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We look forward to continuing to work with Nelsons in the future.”
Since its inception in 1993, Base 51 has supported over 50,000 young people aged 11–25 in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Originally established to address gaps in sexual health services for youth, Base 51 now focuses on holistic well-being, addressing not only physical health but also emotional support, stable housing, healthy relationships, and positive transitions into adulthood.
The new facility at Peachey Street opened in April 2024.
Liam Wilkinson, legal director and commercial property solicitor at Nelsons, said: “I’ve represented and supported Base 51 since I joined Nelsons two-and-a-half years ago, and gave some initial advice on how best to approach the upcoming situation of its lease and relocation.
“It was important to ensure the new space suited the charity’s needs including still being central and accessible. We acted in negotiations with the YMCA and their solicitors for Base 51 to occupy part of its building on Peachey Street in Nottingham city centre. The process took less than two weeks from the first draft. It’s quite challenging to make that move, but I’m pleased to see the Base 51 team has settled in well and they have been able to continue their important work supporting young people.”
