As the sensitive refurbishment and modernisation of Derby’s stunning Old Courthouse nears completion, BB&J Commercial and City Properties Derby are delighted to announce that the space is almost 100% let with one final office remaining.
Furthermore, after appointing BB&J as retained agents 18 months ago, the successful letting of the Old Courthouse takes City Properties Derby to 97% let overall, the best occupancy rate in the company’s 20 year history. BB&J Commercial act on all of City Properties Derby’s operations,
including four owned Business Centres and two which are managed, providing a total of over 90
serviced office suites across more than 50,000 sq ft.
Jeff Handley, manager at City Properties Derby said: “BB&J have been extremely successful in
securing tenants across our portfolio and particularly at the Old Courthouse. We are now in excess of 97% occupied across all buildings which is the highest occupancy rate we have ever had and with new opportunities coming soon we are looking forward to working together with BB&J to help deliver flexible office space for dynamic businesses across Derby and beyond.”
Chris Wright, of BB&J Commercial, said: “We’ve identified strong demand for City Properties’ offices and the Old Courthouse especially. St. Peter’s Quarter has become a destination of choice for small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups thanks to the impressive architecture and strategic location.
The Old Courthouse is a very well-known and prestigious address within Derby city centre and we have been able to secure small to medium sized companies which are the perfect fit for the
building.”
As owners of the Old Courthouse, City Properties Derby began the development last year, investing c£150,000 in the careful renovation of this iconic Grade II listed landmark. Constructed in 1880, the 4-storey building stands prominently in the city centre and its powerful status has proved an unbeatable attraction for tenants seeking space in the newly converted serviced office hub.
The hub provides 34 individual suites over a total of 22,000 sq ft and has become a thriving centre for a range of businesses across professional, healthcare and service sectors and in particular barristers and solicitors who are drawn by the building’s heritage and longstanding association with law and justice.
The two central spaces are the Registrar’s Court (1,410 sq ft) and the Judge’s Court (1,200 sq ft),
which have been the final areas to undergo renovation due to the specialist skills required to
maintain the original features of the impressive structures whilst providing contemporary
professional amenities.
The latter has just been snapped up by expert tax specialists randduk. The firm has at least 12
regular employees who have moved into the new office full time, whilst the rest of the team are out in the field.
Michael Keyse, Director at randduk said the building’s up to date facilities within an environment steeped in history was an instant attraction: “We were immediately taken with the Judge’s Court after BB&J made us aware of this unique opportunity. We wanted a professional space which would convey the trusted and established experience of our team, whilst providing modern business facilities and the latest technology. The Old Courthouse was therefore the perfect solution for us, the exterior of the building represents some of the finest historical architecture left in Derby city centre, it’s a great talking point and we are proud to welcome clients to our new home.”
The Registrar’s Court is now the final space remaining and BB&J are confident that it won’t be up for grabs for long.
