Steelcase, US-based leading designer and manufacturer of office furniture, has disposed of the original production site of Gordon Russell furniture in Broadway, Cotswolds, advised by GVA Grimley. Gordon Russell was a leading light in the Arts and Crafts movement, producing all of the acclaimed furniture from the original Broadway factory.
Covering 4.5 acres, the site has been purchased by residential developers, Chase Midlands, for £7.4 million, making this some of the highest value land in the UK. GVA Grimley worked closely with Wychavon District Council to agree a development brief as well as working with Chase Midlands and Steelcase to achieve planning permission for the site.
Plans for the former manufacturing site incorporate listed buildings that front the high street while also retaining two cottages originally built for staff of the Gordon Russell factory.
Residential partner at GVA Grimley Stuart Dawson, says: "the Gordon Russell business had outgrown its site in the centre of Broadway – the re-development of this important and historic site with a very high-quality residential and mixed-use scheme is the best possible outcome for Broadway, Wychavon, Steelcase and Chase. In addition to the housing for sale and commercial space, the scheme provides accommodation for a Tourist Information Office and for the Gordon Russell Trust. This is a great example of sustainable development and smart re-use of a town centre site."
Gordon Russell was acquired by Steelcase in 1989 but in July 2002, achieved a successful management buy-out, returning Gordon Russell to independent UK ownership.
