Apartments proposed at former warehouse

An historic building that overlooks the River Trent could be turned into a block of apartments available on short-term rents.

Thorpe’s Warehouse, a Grade II-listed building in Navigation Yard, Millgate, may become Newark’s first apart-hotel.

Willoughby 396 has applied to Newark and Sherwood District Council for permission to create 15 rentable apartments at the building.

There would also be a gym, reception, laundry area, manager’s flat and office.

An apart-hotel is a serviced block of apartments that uses a hotel-style booking system. They typically attract tourists and businesspeople who are working away from home.

Newark Town Council planning committee had no objections to the proposal.

Committee chairman Mr Tony Roberts said: “This is going to be Newark’s first apart-hotel.

“If it can offer another place for folks to stop in Newark, and sees the renovation of an old warehouse, then I fully support it.”

Thorpe’s Warehouse was built in 1872 as a riverside barley store and malt house.

The building was bought by Newark Egg Packers in 1932 and a hand-painted inscription of the name of the firm was put on the side of the building.

Around 30 years ago the building was leased to Weston Mill Pottery but between 2007 and 2010 it was vacant.

Parking spaces on-site

Planning permission was granted in 2011 to turn the warehouse into nine residential apartments and six small offices suitable for small businesses.

Renovations connected with the application were completed in 2014 and the original handpainted inscription of Thorpe’s Warehouse was restored.

If the application gets the go-ahead, there would be 15 parking spaces on-site including a disabled parking space.

Willoughby 396 said in its planning application: “The proposals are located in a highly sustainable town centre location with excellent access to shops, public amenities and transport services.

“There is plenty of parking provision for the apartments and members of staff.

“Furthermore, the proposals will involve the restoration and re-use of a key listed building, which has unfortunately become a target of anti-social behaviour in recent years.”

The district council will have the final say on the application