November 2021

WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Former Co-op Art Deco building complete as Transforming Nuneaton gathers pace

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council celebrated the transformation of the former Co-operative Society building in Nuneaton town centre – and local businesses are set to benefit.

The landmark Queens Road building, which used to be a department store, has benefited from a ‘top to toe’ refurbishment to enable a range of business uses as part of the Transforming Nuneaton programme, with contractors handing over the keys to mark the project’s completion.

The building now provides 4,200 sq ft of flexible open plan space as part of the Abbey Street Regeneration, and sits adjacent to one of the key routes to the new public space which will also be delivered as part of the scheme.

The works, undertaken to ensure the preservation of original Art Deco features whilst reviving the building, were supported by a grant from the Government’s Getting Building Fund which was administered by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

They follow the refurbishment of the ground floor to create a new retail unit let to luxury fashion retailer LABEL, and includes a new insulated roof to increase thermal efficiency, replacement windows in keeping with the original style, and structural brickwork repairs. 

Inside, a full restoration has taken place with many of the original finishes being retained while the original parquet flooring has been cleaned and repaired or replaced with modern alternatives.

A new lift has also been installed to improve access and modern staff facilities provided to ensure a comfortable working space.

The handover was attended by representatives from CWLEP, Warwickshire County Council and Ashe Construction together with Marcus Jones, MP for Nuneaton, Arley and Hartshill.

Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones said: “This project is a small but significant part of Transforming Nuneaton, and I am delighted that this government has committed many millions of pounds to our towns as part of its wider Levelling Up agenda.

“This is an exciting step on a long road which will restore the heart and pride in Nuneaton, honouring its history but also looking forward to a brighter future.”

Cllr Kristofer Wilson, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: “It is a great day to see this small, but significant part of the Abbey Street development finalised.

“This is just the beginning of a fantastic plan to regenerate our Borough and ignite the potential within our town centres.

“Bringing elements of the former Co-op department store back into use demonstrates the Council’s commitment to retaining important parts of the Borough’s heritage so they can be enjoyed by future generations.

“It is wonderful to see new life being breathed into the building and there are many more exciting stages to come in this wonderful regeneration project.”

Portfolio holder for property and finance at Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Peter Butlin, said: “Bringing this landmark Art Deco building back to life is a fantastic achievement for all involved, and just one of a number of projects that will help provide Nuneaton with the economic boost it needs to become a stronger hub for the local community.

“The County Council made a very significant contribution to the funds needed to purchase the building. We recognise the importance of partnership working and investment in the town centre, resulting in the completion of projects like this, if we are to fulfil our ambitions to transform Nuneaton and bring new business opportunities to the town.”

Sean Farnell, board director at the CWLEP and Chair of the Nuneaton Town Fund Board, said: “The Getting Building Fund was established to help projects that were ready to start immediately and it is great that an unused building has been brought back to life for the benefit of micro and small businesses in Nuneaton.

“These kinds of facilities are much-needed to help entrepreneurs on the first stage of their business adventure.”

 

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