Ground-breaking ceremony launches visionary JYD Group transformation of former Victorian wool warehouse on Victoria Street, Newark, into plush city living-esque apartments

A symbolic ground-breaking ceremony heralded the start of a vision to turn a dilapidated former Victorian wool warehouse into plush city living-esque apartments.

The event was as much a celebration of strong working relationships in construction and women in construction as it was the beginning of something special.

The development of 10 Victoria Street, which has been derelict for years, is a first of its kind for Newark and a first project in the town for its developers, who would prefer it not to be the last.

Expressing that at the launch event, visionary developer Jinny Yang, founder and director at JYD Group, said: “We are transforming this historical building into 39 beautiful apartments — the exact type of scheme this area is crying out for.

“It’s a real privilege to be part of the Newark’s regeneration story.

“Like all of you, I very much look forward to seeing the transformation of this lovely historical building.

“I’m very passionate about two things — transforming old buildings to beautiful spaces and bringing wonderful people together to make some great stuff happen.”

The former sprawling warehouse began life as a clothing factory and has in the more recent past a pine manufacturers and a bricklaying workshop and is considered unusual in a residential setting.

Work will now start on its conversion into high-end managed apartments aimed at young professionals, which is expected to take a year.

There will be co-working spaces, yoga studio and a communal courtyard.

Business partner, Hui Xu, director at Cura Haus, said: “We hope this will be one of many opportunities we can do to support the socio-economic development of Newark and Sherwood.

“We look forward to playing a part in seeing this community thrive and prosper in the years ahead.”

In introducing the project, Martin Castle said it brought together an exceptional working team, adding it would see an old building getting a new lease of life, which was a responsible thing to do in today’s day, age and climate.

Guests included funding partners from Fiduciam, construction partner R Betts, Martin Parrish, director at The Planning Group, and Wilson Architects.