Worksop magistrates court sold to property developer with plans to convert it into apartments

ALB Group purchased the former magistrates’ court building, on Potter Street, for an undisclosed fee and managing director Arran Bailey is confident that it has great potential for a residential conversion.

He said: “We haven’t yet submitted our formal planning application but with nearly 7,500 square feet of space available to us, the provisional plan is to transform the building into 13 high-spec one-bed apartments.

“The building sits just a few yards from Bridge Street’s colourful shopping thoroughfare, so it’s particularly well placed for cafes and restaurants on the doorstep, as well as easy access to the town’s train station.”

He added: “We’ve not yet decided whether the apartments will be for sale or for rent. But with the building’s enviable position, its access to local services and its striking architectural character, it is going to provide the people of Worksop with a fantastic new option for affordable living.”

The court was last used for a criminal case in 2014, and was closed as part of a nationwide programme which has sold off a third of the Ministry of Justice property portfolio.

Matthew Maiden, director at the Mansfield Office of Banner Jones Solicitors, completed the purchase on behalf of ALB Group.

He said: “As a legal firm, we had various dealings with Worksop Magistrate’s Court, before they wound it all down and transferred their cases to Mansfield, so we do feel some fondness for it.

“We’re therefore delighted to be involved with a company like ALB, who we know can move it forward and develop it in the right way.”

If all goes to plan, the new apartments could go on the market as soon as 2022.

Edward Hall, a joint venture partner on the redevelopment, said: “This is an instrumental building to Worksop and will add much needed accommodation into the community.

“The building will be converted to a high standard and we are looking forward to starting the project.”

ALB Group recently won the title of developer of the year title at the 2020 East Midlands Bricks Awards. Find out more about its work at www.albinvestments.co.uk.

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