Office conversion given go ahead as planners ‘leen’ into vision for city living

Plans to convert an iconic office building into apartments have been given the go ahead by Nottingham City Council.

Riverleen House off Electric Avenue, will be redeveloped by ALB Group for residential use, as part of a city-wide push to ease the UK’s housing shortfall.

The £25 million project will see the building previously occupied by Experian, lovingly renovated to create new homes for city workers.

The brand new one-bedroom and studio apartments will be well placed for junior doctors and professionals working at The Queen’s Medical Centre, as well as those commuting to the Nottingham University’s King’s Meadow Campus and the wider Nottingham area.

John Morgan, Director at Leonard Design Architects, said: “River Leen House offers a rare combination of convenient, connected living and tranquil calm. It’s on great transport links and close to gyms, supermarkets, pubs, hotels, cinema, bowling  and great schools, but it also sits on  The Big Track, a 10-mile cycling and walking route along with easy access to the Nottingham Golf Centre and driving range – what more could you want on your doorstep.”

It is great to see investment from proactive entrepreneurial developers and funds to deliver much needed housing in the city.

Experian has been openly praised by the team at ALB for its careful stewardship of the site and the investment in landscaping that has created a green and mature setting – one that will now form the ideal backdrop to city living. The existing courtyard, which has been beautifully taken care of by Experian, is a real gem and will become a communal heart for residents to relax in and enjoy spending time surrounded by greenery

Arran Bailey, Managing director at ALB Group said: “We are delighted that the council has approved our permitted development application to convert 118 flats at Riverleen House.

“We are especially pleased with how swiftly the planning process was completed, allowing us to move forward without delay.

“We look forward to starting work at the end of September and delivering a fantastic product for the city — high-quality, thoughtfully designed homes that will meet the needs of future residents and contribute positively to the community.”

ALB Group, and Arran Bailey personally, has a track record of successfully repurposing commercial space, with previous developments including Falcon House, in Dudley, Burlington House, in Chesterfield, and Prosperity House, in Derby. The firm has also developed Bridlesmith Gate in Nottingham city centre, as well as Carlton Police Station.