Nottingham businesses close to a new Government office that holds thousands of staff have spoken of their excitement following an uptake in trade. Workers at a pub, café and fish and chip shop all said the introduction of staff at the Unity Square building near Nottingham Railway Station had meant busier days.
The tower block off Queen's Road and Sheriffs Way opened to 1,000 HMRC staff on April 11, and is expected to welcome another 4,000 by the end of May. Nina Meliou, who runs Carrington's fish and chip shop in nearby Carrington Street said it was "exciting" to see new customers.
"I think we have seen a boost in business," she told Nottinghamshire Live. "It's brought people to this area, and you still see some of the people from the old office (in Castle Meadow).
Read more: Pictures show huge new HMRC office in Nottingham as it opens this month to welcome 1000s of staff
"It's always good to see new buildings and companies move into the area. It's exciting when there is new customers, especially since the demolition of Broad Marsh. We always like to welcome them as this side of Nottingham has always been more derelict compared to the other side."
Nicky Onorati, assistant manager at the Vat and Fiddle, a stones throw away from the office block, said the pub were "banking" on a business boost. "When they first moved in it was slow and steady but from all the accounts I've heard it's been much more constant," said the 34-year-old.
"We've definitely seen the start of its effect but there's a way to go to see its full extent. We're looking forward to having more here. Food sales have definitely picked up. There's been an increase at lunch and after work. We're well positioned here, there's definitely been a marked improvement."
Luke Goncalves, a supervisor at 200 Degrees, added: "We've been really busy. We get a lot more people, especially at breakfast and lunch. It's been good busy, everyone's happy - especially upper management. We're expecting it to get even busier so we're hiring more people."
