A property developer hopes a once dying shopping street in Nottingham will soon become the city's answer to London's famous Carnaby Street. All but one of the empty units have been snapped up as the historic street is brought back to life after years in decline.
Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, said his company was buying empty shops in Bridlesmith Gate and he now has plans to revive the area through the replication of London’s Carnaby Street. The iconic street in the capital which dates back to 1682 is today home to many wondrous fashion and music outlets, as well as eateries which attract people from across the globe.
Bridlesmith Gate is one of Nottingham's oldest shopping streets, however upon the closure of the Broadmarsh Centre and subsequent collapse of its owner intu, coupled with the coronavirus pandemic, it had slipped into decline and was left almost completely empty. Over time however numerous independents have opened to good success, and Mr Bailey hopes to continue this upward trajectory.
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ALB purchased 11 vacant units, along with three on nearby Lister Gate, which had been experiencing similar issues. The developer says this influx of "quality independent retailers" in Bridlesmith Gate has allowed for its revival.
Mr Bailey said: "I am over the moon with how we have managed to breathe life into this end of Bridlesmith Gate, with a real diversity of tenants, and I hope to see the footfall increase. Box Property has done a fantastic job securing all these tenants.”
Long-established ladieswear boutique Stick and Ribbon recently collected the keys to a new 1,200 square-feet space, alongside Pygott & Crone, an independent estate agent which is moving from Baker Gate, BARiSTA, a craft coffee shop and deli shop, Keishi Jewellery and finally Coffee Lab, which is waiting to secure the last remaining space formerly occupied by Office shoes, which benefits from a large secret garden area to the rear making it suitable for bar or restaurant use.
Fashion stores 18 Montrose and Sneakrverse have also signed deals to extend their leases. Tim Downing of Pygott and Crone added: "We are pleased to be located on Bridlesmith Gate, as it has a rich history being on the north-south retail axis of Nottingham.
"It’s home to some of the country’s most stylish and vibrant retailers. The distinctive red Pygott & Crone brand will be a positive addition to the thoroughfare and we hope that it will become as familiar to the residents of Nottingham as it is to the people of Lincolnshire”
