A major office block in Nottingham could soon be transformed into nearly 120 new apartments under new plans submitted by developer ALB Group.
Riverleen House, currently owned by Experian, is the latest commercial site earmarked for residential use as part of a city-wide push to ease the UK’s housing shortfall.
The £25 million project would see the landmark building reimagined for residential use with 118 new units.
Experian, which previously occupied the building off Electric Avenue, has been praised 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.
ALB has acquired the site for an undisclosed figure, but it was marketed at £7.5m with FHP Living.
Arran Bailey, Managing Director at ALB Group, said: “With ambitious housing targets set by the new government, including a pledge to build 1.5 million homes, developments like this are absolutely vital.
“With targets this bold, and a shortage of both viable land and skilled tradespeople, repurposing existing office buildings offers a smart, resource-efficient solution that gets much-needed homes delivered faster.
“We’re proud to be playing our part in this work of transforming office buildings into high-quality homes that suit modern lifestyles. Riverleen House is a perfect example of a site ready to support a real housing need – it’s in a great location, and we have the team and plans in place to deliver homes that local people will love living in, quickly.”
The permitted development application was submitted to Nottingham City Council on Friday. It comes just weeks after East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward pledged that the region will “do its bit” to support the new government’s housing goals.
In Mayor Claire Ward’s plan, she shared her aims to create 100,000 jobs, build 52,000 homes and add £4.6 billion to the local economy – a commitment that projects like Riverleen House are set to fulfil.
If approved, the development will begin eight weeks later, with the first residents expected to move in by the end of 2026.
John Morgan, Director at Leonard Design Architects, said: “Riverleen House offers a rare combination of convenient, connected living and tranquil calm. It’s on great transport links and close to gyms, supermarkets, the Showcase cinema, and great schools, but it also sits on The Big Track, a 10-mile cycling and walking route.
“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.”
The site is also well placed for junior doctors and professionals working at Queen’s Medical Centre, as well as those commuting to the Nottingham University’s King’s Meadow Campus and the wider Nottingham area.
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.
Leonard Design will continue to work closely with Experian and Nottingham City Council as the application progresses.
