Businesses located on Gedling Street are facing further uncertainty after it was announced that the buildings may be knocked down to accommodate the creation of new student flats. There are three businesses based on the busy street including One BC Clothing, GB Cafe and Murat's Food Centre.
Many believe the businesses are a huge part of Sneinton market adding to the creative atmosphere of the area. Under the plans to extend the iQ Exchange building, fronting Lower Parliament Street, extensions on Gedling Street and Boston Street will be demolished and replaced to create refurbished retail and commercial space - and more student accommodation.
The owners were told two years ago about the plans for the extension but they are frustrated there has been little or no contact with landlords. They say it is hard to make plans while awaiting the decision on what will happen to the area. Some such as Murat Supermarket are opening a second location on the other side of the market with new premises and a new look.
Reeta Brack owns One BC Clothing with her husband Tony, she explained that they are waiting to hear news of their new lease. The couple has designed clothing for Freddie Mercury, American singer-songwriter Kid Rock and Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson.
"The landlords have been in touch with us just before Christmas to say that the works won't be happening for a year or two so would we like a ten-year lease. It is still up in the air as we are waiting for the lease and they are working out if it is viable," she said.
There has always been a break clause in the contract that the couple has with their landlord which allows either party the opportunity to break the lease should they need to. Reeta explained that what is happening with the high street makes it difficult to plan the future.
"We would like to go ahead with the lease but there is a lot of uncertainty because of the pandemic as well as the cost of moving. There are a lot of empty shops on the high street at the minute and we are still trying to work out what is happening. We can't really look into the future but we want to continue with our business. It's been strange as it's positive in one sense but then there are still uncertainties there."
She added: "We've been on the market for 17 years and we were there when the creative quarter came in. We did a lot of work on shows and writing about how things could be to make it great then it was just a kick in the teeth to work so hard on something. It's always been full of great people but badly managed. Everyone is being pushed out and the creatives are being sent further out. We should be looking after the creatives and independents."
Haydar Sagir, the owner of GB Cafe and Restaurant, on Gedling Street, said they haven't heard anything further about the plans. Mr Sagir has still got a few years left on his original lease which finishes in 2026. GB Cafe is a popular venue with Sneinton locals who visit for coffee and food.
"We don't know anything about it. Two years ago, they came in to speak to us before the licenses were granted. After that, we haven't heard anything," he said.
"I don't know what to do as it's terrible. They can't take us out as we have a guarantee in the building until 2026. They cannot take me out without a reason. I want to stay here and take care of business until I retire. If something happens then I can always sell but I can't go after 12 years for nothing."
Murat Food Center is another staple business on Sneinton market providing international foods, drinks and alcoholic beverages to locals and students. They have recently revealed a brand new store on the other side of the market due to open in five weeks. They intend to open both premises with the original location selling gluten-free and vegan produce.
"It's affected us a lot as its difficult for customers to reach us. It's not good for business as last month the closed road had an effect on business. They were working on the flats and customers are getting confused," Nejdet Kaya, the owner said.
William Hughes is a shop assistant at The Watered Garden which faces the row of businesses. He feels there needs to be a balance between cafes like GB Cafe and the trendier businesses.
"I thought it was a shame as it's making way for more student accommodation. We have an issue with student retention in this city where it doesn't seem like many of them stay on so it's a shame that these businesses go to make way for things like this. I think Sneinton market is really great and vibrant, the more things we have here the better."
