Experian’s former Notts HQ set to become 160 flats

Nottingham-based developer ALB Group’s £25m plans to expand a residential conversion scheme at a prestigious former office block will go in front of city council planners this week.

The former offices at Riverleen House, on Electric Avenue, are already set to be converted to 118 apartments, a scheme previously given the nod under permitted development regulations in August last year.

The building was custom-built for credit referencing firm Experian in 1997, and substantially refurbished around ten years ago, prior to Experian quitting the building as part of a post-pandemic downsizing operation.

Now, applicant ALB group wants to convert loft space at the building to provide a further 42 flats at the 80,000 sq ft building, which is set in around seven acres on Nottingham’s Riverside Business Park.

The scheme would see 20 one-bed flats built out on the second floor of the building and a further 22 on the third, with a number of dormer windows and roof lights added to the former office building’s roof space.

Nottingham-based architects Leonard have designed the scheme, while Aspbury Planning have provided planning consultancy services.

The applicant says the vacant office block is a “well connected and accessible location” and will contribute to the city’s housing needs in the face of falling demand for office space outside the city centre.

The scheme has been recommended for approval ahead of a Nottingham City Council planning committee meeting on Wednesday (21 January).

“Through the grant of the prior approval for residential conversion last year, the principle of residential development on the site has already been established and does not need to be revisited,” said a report from the city council’s planning officer.

“All units would exceed NDSS and provide appropriate outlook for future occupiers from habitable rooms. Communal facilities; a gym, yoga studio and a cinema room, are indicated to be provided on the ground floor of the building as part of the larger scheme.”

Detailed plans and documents relating to the application can be found on Nottingham City Council’s planning portal using reference: 25/01823/PFUL3