Funding deal paves way for mixed-use scheme at former fire station

A £3.3m funding deal has been struck, paving the way for the transformation of a former city centre fire station into a mixed-use scheme.

OakNorth Bank has provided property developer Guthrie Roberts with the cash to redevelop the former three-storey Worcester fire station into 28 one, two and three-bedroom apartments on the upper floors, and a commercial unit on the ground floor.

Ben Roberts, founder and director of Guthrie Roberts, said: “Representing a new central urban hub for the city, the old fire station will give residents the perfect balance for modern living.

“Surrounded by popular shops, a bustling highstreet and a great selection of restaurants, bars and cafes, the site is ideally located for those commuting into neighbouring major cities, including Birmingham, Cheltenham and Swindon.

“This iconic building and its wonderful heritage are at the forefront of our plans and we’ll be preserving many of the original designs, such as the hose-drying tower.”

Dale Cowdell, associate director of debt finance at OakNorth Bank, said: “In Guthrie Roberts, we have an experienced developer which continues to take a measured approach in its evolution, delivering projects that have grown in size and complexity over the years. The  business has developed a  reputation for delivering high quality products, evidenced in part by the sale prices achieved on previous schemes.

“The centre of Worcester hasn’t seen a high level of residential development with planning restrictions in place on a number of historic buildings, meaning they’ll likely be high demand for these units given the site’s rich heritage.”