Landmark Norwich office building up for sale

The biggest commercial freehold to come to market in Norwich for many years has been announced – as the 115,000 sq ft St Crispin’s House in the city centre has been put up for sale with agents Arnolds Keys.

The five storey office building, situated on the inner ring road on the Duke Street roundabout, is being marketed with an asking price of £4.75 million.

The building is currently producing a rental income of over £785,000 per annum, and Guy Gowing of Arnolds Keys says that there are significant asset management opportunities.

“The building is yielding a really good return already, but there is real scope to invest further, either to upgrade the offices to boost rental income, or to consider other future uses (subject to planning) for all or part of the building,” he said.

“Possible future opportunities might include a mixed use residential/office scheme, a phased residential conversion of the entire building, or even conversion of part of the building to a city centre hotel.

“This is a really interesting building, situated very centrally, and offering real potential in the longer term.”

St Crispin’s House occupies a 1.7 acres site, and is built around a central full-height atrium, which features a cafe and retail area.  There is on-site car parking for 33 vehicles.

Current occupiers include The Stationery Office, Banner Business Services, Countrywide Legal Indemnities and Central Mortgages.

The building was opened in 1975 to provide extra space for HMSO staff, after the idea of an extension to Sovereign House, situated on the other side of the inner ring road, was rejected.  It was designed by the same architects as Sovereign House, Alan Cooke Associates.

Full details of the sale are available from Arnolds Keys on 01603 216825 or by emailing craig.knights@arnoldskeys.com.