Leicesters beautiful industrial architecture rejuvenated into stunning city centre living

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Over the past 20 years here at James Sellicks Estate Agents we have acted as consultants for a number of developer clients, advising on high specification developments with the majority being conversions of Edwardian and Victorian factory buildings, following their long lives during thriving industrial years. Since these industries have ceased training and/or moved abroad, these stunning buildings have been left dormant, only occupied by Leicester’s community of pigeons!

1997/1998 saw the first conversion of the iconic Pick Building on Wellington Street, a beautiful Victorian building with huge windows and solid oak floors throughout, which was re-purposed into New York style loft apartments, something Leicester had never seen before. These were all sold immediately and led to us advising many other clients who created the likes of The Cotton Mill, The Foister Building and The Cherub Building which in turn led onto some exciting new build developments including The Needleworks and Phoenix Square.

During the recession and property slumps, like all other sectors of the market, apartment sales slowed and there were less exciting developments coming to the market; again, a number of buildings lay dormant within the city centre, however over the past two years we have seen a fantastic regeneration within Leicester city centre, particularly around the Cathedral area with The Richard III Centre, The Lanes and St. Martin’s Square becoming thriving once again and we have seen developers returning to the city, first with the award winning Stonesby House Development on New Walk, a collection of 23 apartments set within three buildings, one conversion and two new build properties. The iconic Queens Building opposite Curve Theatre in the heart of the cultural quarter comprises 14 new build apartments which are being sold off-plan as I write this blog, Chancery House on Millstone Lane is soon to be launched and a number of other projects which are soon to hit the market.

The key to the success of these buildings is having experienced consultants right from the beginning to advise on floorplans, square footage, specifications and finish, and really take advantage of the 20 years of experience in this sector of the property market that we can offer

If you are looking to buy or sell an apartment, or advice on a development project you may have please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

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