[Press Release] NooKo Acquires Historic Royal Clarence in Exeter for Exciting Residential and Commercial Development

The Royal Clarence, one of Exeter’s most iconic and beloved buildings, is set to be proudly restored to its rightful place at the heart of the city.

NooKo, a locally-founded property development company with years of expertise in restoring historic buildings across central Exeter, is honoured to announce the acquisition and redevelopment of The Royal Clarence. This iconic site will be transformed into a mix of high-quality residential and commercial units, reflecting NooKo’s commitment to preserving heritage while meeting modern standards.

NooKo will take forward the plans developed by the previous owner,  Akkeron Group, following an extensive public consultation, which were unanimously approved by Exeter city planners. Akkeron Group will retain a long lease over the redeveloped commercial units on the Ground Floor and Basement.

Having successfully modernised local properties like Paternoster House and Concord House, Nooko has a track record of renovating historic structures to create contemporary, safe, and energy-efficient spaces. The Royal Clarence will be no exception. NooKo is starting work immediately to address the pre-commencement planning conditions, allowing them to start work on site as of 1 April 2025, with an estimated completion time of 2 years.

This project aims to balance the complexities of working on a historical site, addressing archaeological considerations, while ensuring modern compliance. The outcome will be a beautifully restored building that seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary features, offering high-end apartments and flexible commercial spaces enhanced by the latest technology and advanced building techniques.

“This project is incredibly significant to us,” said Max Sayers (NooKo Director). “As locals from Exeter, we understand The Royal Clarence’s historical importance and are committed to restoring it as a landmark the city can be proud of.  We’re humbled by the opportunity to bring this pivotal building back to life.”

James Porter (NooKo Director) added “Like most people in Exeter we want to see this iconic building brought back to life. We’re focused on keeping the building’s original charm as much as possible, bringing the façade back to life so it looks much like it did before the fire. We want The Royal Clarence to be a proud centrepiece for Exeter and something future generations can enjoy.”

Tony Hopwood, Development Director for Akkeron Group, said: “We are very pleased that NooKo will be taking forward the physical transformation of the Royal Clarence following the extensive design, consultation and preservation work carried out during our ownership. We look forward to continued involvement with this iconic building through our ongoing role in the commercial units.”

Louise Glanville, Head of Knight Frank Exeter, facilitated the transaction between Akkeron and Nooko, strengthening their ongoing relationship. This deal highlights Knight Frank’s dedication to outstanding service in the property market. Marketing for the properties will commence upon completion. Louise Glanville expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and anticipated a successful development. “We are proud to be part of this project and excited to see it come to fruition,” she said, emphasising that their longstanding relationship with both parties was crucial in achieving this outcome.

Investing in Exeter’s Future

This development is more than a restoration; it’s an investment in the community. NooKo is collaborating with skilled local craftspeople, providing significant employment opportunities, and partnering with local colleges to train the next generation of artisans. Quality homes above thriving commercial spaces that people will love to live in, will attract long-term prosperity to the city centre while giving local businesses the additional footfall and freedom to flourish.

A Legacy of Giving Back

NooKo’s ethos of combining craftsmanship and sustainability with social impact extends globally.  As part of their commitment to education and community, NooKo actively supports and plays a key role in the EDP Trust, a charity that has constructed the Awutu-Winton School in Ghana, empowering communities far beyond Exeter.

https://nooko.co.uk/news/nookos-recent-work-with-the-edp-trust-a-journey-of-collaboration-and-community/

The monumental Royal Clarence project wouldn’t have been possible without collaboration with Akkeron Group who have worked closely with the City Council and Historic England to protect the site and develop sensitive plans for its restoration. Akkeron’s recent development, Mol’s House, one of the city’s oldest surviving structures, sits adjacent to The Royal Clarence and contributes to a legacy of preserving Exeter’s rich architectural history whilst creating modern spaces.

Follow us as NooKo embarks on this ambitious journey to restore one of Exeter’s most treasured landmarks, blending tradition and innovation for a brighter future.

For media inquiries, contact:
Simon Hoe

press@nooko.co.uk
https://nooko.co.uk/press-pack/