A SIGNIFICANT chunk of Nottingham's heritage which lies in the shadow of the city's most famous landmark has been put up for sale. Nottingham City Council is selling off one side of an entire street close to the walls of Nottingham Castle – and it includes some of the oldest buildings in the city.

The southern side of Castle Gate comprises a mix of 10 buildings which date from medieval times and the Stuart and Georgian eras.

All of the buildings are Grade II Listed, and all merited a mention in Pevsner's Buildings of England, one of the most respected historical appraisals of the country's notable architecture.

They include the city's former costume museum, and Severns House – which dates back to 1450 and had been moved to Castle Gate from its original location on Low Pavement.

The sale of the buildings is being handled on the council's behalf by leisure industry specialist Sam Spencer, for the commercial property agency Bruton Knowles.

They are being sold through informal tender, but will be difficult to value because of the work needed to allow a change of use.

All the properties were originally built as houses, but they have more recently been used by the city council as offices and the costume museum, while Severns House was known for years as the lace centre shop.

Spencer said: "Castle Gate and Severns House represent a unique and interesting opportunity for developers to take ownership of a street of historic, character buildings with both strong commercial and residential potential.

"These properties are truly fascinating and packed with original features.

As a whole, or divided into separate lots, the buildings could be redeveloped in such a way as to capitalise on their unique heritage and location that is nevertheless right in the heart of Nottingham."

He added: "We are already receiving enquiries in the buildings from a variety of interested parties."

The row, which covers 43-59 Castle Gate, sits opposite Newdigate House, the home of the fine dining restaurant World Service and the Nottingham club.

They are only a short walk from the city centre and on a cobbled street which leads up to the gate and walls of Nottingham Castle, one of the city's major tourist attractions.

But they are also close to Nottingham's central business district, with a number of major accountants, law firms and property companies located on the surrounding streets.

There are five car parking spaces and a rear garden. Numbers 43-57 are inter-connected, while number 59 is a smaller ancillary building. Together, they offer a total of 12,000 sq ft.

The buildings retain a wealth of interesting structures and features.

And Spencer suggests they could be suitable for a variety of uses, including café, hotel, restaurant, retail offices, residential or a mixture.

They are available to buy separately or in lots.

Offers for Castle Gate and Severns House are being invited through informal tender and should be received by 1pm, Friday, March 9 2012.

The property is available for inspection on Wednesday, January 25, Thursday, February 16, Tuesday, February 21, and Thursday March 1 between 10.30am and 2pm on each date.