Birmingham based developer Elevate Property Group is planning to revamp two landmark Grade II listed buildings in Hereford’s High Town area which were hit by a major fire in 2010.
Elevate is planning to bring 16-18 High Town back to life as a mixed-use development incorporating residential and retail accommodation.
The site has the benefit of conditional planning consent but Elevate will shortly be submitting more detailed plans to Herefordshire Council and if all goes to plan work could start on the development as early as this summer.
The original buildings, which were gutted by the fire that required more than 100 firefighters to bring it under control, have stood empty since October 2010.
They have their origins in the 15th and 16th century but also had 18th and 20th century additions.
Over the last six years attempts to re-develop the site have been blighted for various reasons including previous owners failing to start restoration work, enforcement notices, owners going into administration and preservation concerns.
With the purchase of the site by Elevate Property Group, a bold scheme is now in preparation that will breathe life back into the heart of High Town. The only factor to be resolved is a sufficient power supply to the area. When the fire gutted the site, an electricity sub-station that supplied that area of Hereford was removed.
Existing power provision in the area is insufficient and the Council is currently pressing Western Power Distribution to agree an early solution and the provision of a sub-station to complete the proposed package.
Elevate Property Group managing director Steve Dodd said: “Our detailed application currently being prepared by local architects Hook Mason will include the construction of two Zone A retail units and a combination of 20 apartments, penthouses and townhouses with associated parking.The project will be managed and overseen by our development managers BACE Construction Consultants.”
