College take up new space former Woolworths store

07/09/2022

Bromwich Hardy has helped a college take up new space in a former Woolworths store.

We helped sixth form education provider King Edward VI College conclude a deal for space on the first floor of the Queens Road development in Nuneaton.

Ropewalk Chambers comprises the first floor of the former Woolworths/T J Hughes store providing 11,000 sq ft of modern flexible space. The refurbishment and conversion of the retail space was funded as part of the Government’s Towns Fund programme.

The result will be high-quality educational space in the heart of the town centre, where the College will be developing a centre of excellence for the Creative Arts and Tech Ed, as well as a Higher Education Centre for Nuneaton in the longer term.

The building, above the former Woolworths and TJ Hughes store in Queens Road, has been developed by the Borough Council as high-quality accommodation for a range of potential uses.

It features a fresh entrance in the Ropewalk Shopping Centre, and comprises a range of classroom, conference and meeting spaces, specialist music recording studio, drama performance space and, in the near future, an eSports training and competition arena for the town.

The shop space below, and the second floor of the building, will also have new tenants who are still to be announced.

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College has already confirmed that it will take space in the Abbey Street development nearby, also bringing an influx of students into the town centre.

Cllr Kristofer Wilson, leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: “The Borough Council is doing all it can to bring new activity and new life to the heart of our towns.

“This development will enable King Edwards’ students to study in high-quality, modern accommodation that is safe, accessible and close to other amenities. King Edward’s has been a vital part of our town’s great history, and now they will be playing a critical part in our vibrant future. Improving peoples’ life chances is essential if we are to level up Nuneaton and Bedworth.

“That is why I am so delighted we have this opportunity to work closely with our partner at King Edward’s and work hard to improve the educational attainment of our young people.