A Nottingham property development company is succeeding in its plans to make a city high street “cool again” – with the majority of empty units it has bought filling up fast.
Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group boldly announced just six months ago that his company was buying up empty shops in Nottingham’s Bridlesmith Gate, with plans to revive the area while adopting a “London’s Carnaby Street” style approach.
Now, less than six months later, all but one of the units have been snapped up – with Bridlesmith Gate starting to bustle again, with vibrancy and on trend independent operators and increased footfall.
The area had almost become a ghost town, with big names closing down amid the pandemic.
But ALB had the vision to step up and rejuvenate Bridlesmith Gate, buying 11 vacant units, along with three on nearby Lister Gate.
The swift influx of quality independent retailers to Bridlesmith Gate – fulfilling ALB’s vow – has been made possible thanks to the expertise of Nottingham-based retail and leisure specialists, Box Property Consultants.
Arran said: “I am over the moon with how we have managed to breathe life into this end of Bridlesmith Gate, and I hope to see the footfall increase.”
The success of the firm continues this week, with long-established ladieswear boutique Stick and Ribbon recently collecting the keys for their new 1,200 sq ft space – securing ALB’s final space on one side of Bridlesmith Gate.
Sally Longden, owner of Stick and Ribbon, said: “What Arran is doing seems to be a really good opportunity for us to grow our business.”
Other companies that have been quick to join Stick and Ribbon in snapping up the chance of securing prime retail space on Bridlesmith Gate, including BARiSTA, a craft coffee shop and deli shop.
Keishi Jewellery and Coffee Lab are also among the plethora of operators waiting in the wings to secure the last remaining space formerly occupied by Office shoes, which benefits from a large secret garden/yard area to the rear making it suitable for a bar or restaurant use.
Fashion stores 18 Montrose and Sneakrverse have also signed deals to extend their leases.