High quality, specialist property developer, Sibson Mill Properties represented by joint agents JLL and Peter J Hicks & Co, has let offices at two of its prestigious Tamworth office developments – both to renowned German companies.

The headquarters office building at 2 Centurion Court has been let to leading global discount supermarket chain, Aldi Stores Ltd, while the ground floor of High Point, in Sandy Hill Business Park has been taken by Mercedes Benz Retail Group UK Ltd.

The sympathetic redevelopment of one of Lichfield’s oldest buildings has received a top award from the Lichfield Civic Society, described by one member as ‘quite outstanding.’

St Michael’s in Deans Croft, Lichfield, was constructed in 1860 and operated as a school until it was acquired by Sibson Mill Properties early in 2012. The Victorian building has now been restored to retain many of its original features and converted into seven residential properties.

The old school received the accolade for the highest quality of design and construction in the conversion of a building as Alan Thomson from Lichfield Civic Society said: “It was a difficult building to begin with, but it has been finished to an exceptional standard. It’s been beautifully restored and you can see it’s been treated with the respect it deserves through the excellent workmanship and attention to detail. It’s difficult to think of a comparable building.”

“Sibson Mill has revealed what had appeared to be a dowdy and run-down Victorian building in its true light as a very charming example of the Gothic Revival movement, with many attractive details that include the very pretty steepled tower. The final touch was the choice of a contrasting lime mortar pointing giving the whole scheme a light-hearted domestic feeling.” he added.

Externally the entire buildings brickwork has been cleaned and all the roofs put back to their original condition including replacement of the original cast iron gutters. The leaded windows too have been fully refurbished and replacements made where necessary.

Tom Smith from Sibson Mill Properties added: “The project has been a real labour of love. Our plan from the outset was to retain as much of the original character of the building as possible and deliver an extremely high quality of design for its new residents.

“Whilst the stonework throughout was cleaned and restored, we were careful to retain some of the building’s history and memories to tell the story of its life, by keeping carvings such as penknife sharpenings and circular holes from twisting and digging in coins. The property now has a new purpose and we hope will be around for generations to come so both Lichfield residents and visitors to the city can enjoy its design.”

The luxury apartments are a mix of one and two bedroomed properties, appealing to those wanting all the benefits of a modern property mixed with the beautiful character of an old Victorian building.

Ian Ritchie from Tamworth based architects Ritchie & Ritchie LLP who worked on the development said: “Buildings of this nature are often overlooked when it comes to refurbishment for reasons of cost or difficulty, but should in reality be the ones we concentrate on as they are the historic fabric of our towns.

“The school has already served the community for over 100 years and now has a new lease of life in a different guise, providing quality character living in a town centre location. Proof that not all such buildings should be consigned to the all too often fate of demolition.” He added.

Internally the building was a completely stripped out, concrete floors installed with modern insulation and underfloor heating. All of the apartments feature bespoke layout and finishes such as oak floorings, staircases and kitchens.

Work on St Michael’s was completed early last year and the apartments were rented immediately.

Lichfield Civic Society comments on a variety of local planning and environmental issues; including housing development.