The Chubb Buildings is the ideal business location, situated in the heart of the City of Wolverhampton, located just off the ring road on Fryer Street, this Grade II listed building, famous for the manufacturing of the Chubb locks and safes ‘the first lock that couldn’t be opened by anything other than its own key’. The building was restored by MIA to provide 39 prestigious business suits.
The Chubb Buildings is the ideal business location, situated in the heart of the city of Wolverhampton with the desirable WV1 postcode, located just off the ring road on Fryer Street, close to all local amenities and transport links.
The Grade II listed building, famous for the manufacturing of the Chubb locks and safes ‘the first lock that couldn’t be opened by anything other than its own key’ . The building was restored by MIA to provide 39 prestigious business suits.
The building, which benefits from vaulted ceilings, exposed original beams and brickwork, has a central courtyard with a glazed atrium, inside is a cinema and artisan bakery offering the perfect break out area. Fryer Steert The building offers its tenants 24 hour access, onsite caretaker during office hours and all units are fitted with storage heaters for background heating.
Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT
Find out more about units to let at the Chubb Buildings. All units are managed on our behalf by Prince Warne Properties.
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Charles Chubb and his younger brother Jeremiah, specialised their business in ships’ ironmongers. Sailing ships carried so many metal components peculiar to them, it was necessary to have specialists who could supply and, when required, carry out repairs to these items.
On Feb. 3rd 1818, Jeremiah was granted a patent for his Detector Lock. He also won the reward (100 Guineas) offered by The Government for a “Lock that could not be opened by any but its own key”.
Chubb Lock Manufacturers occupied the workshop in Temple Street, Wolverhampton, until 1836 then moved to premises in St. James’ Square before moving to a large building at the junction of Horseley Fields and Mill Street in 1838 until 1882.
Chubb registered their first patent for a burglar-resistant safe in 1835 and in 1837, they opened a factory at Cowcross Street (Smithfield), London, and began the manufacture of safes and strongroom doors. Production continued here for the next 30 years before a move to larger premises in 1866 on the south of the River Thames in Glengall Road.
The Company registered their first trademark in February 1876 and Glengall Road closed in 1908 and all production transferred to the new safe works at Wednesfield Road, Wolverhampton. Incorporation being granted in 1882, the name became Chubb & Sons Lock and Safe Co. Ltd. and early in the 1890s planning began for a new purpose built Lock Works at Wolverhampton.
This was opened in 1898 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Company; capable of accommodating 350 workers, it was located in Railway Street, Wolverhampton.
The triangular design around an inner courtyard, whilst unusual, was extremely practical. The large windows on each side of every level provided the maximum amount of natural light, each locksmith’s bench having its own window.
Lock manufacturing began in early 1899 and continued at this site for the next 39 years. Since the building is close to and visible from today’s main railway station, many first time visitors see the name on the building, and think they have found Chubb’s offices and factory. Being ‘listed’, the exterior of the building cannot be altered and the name is incorporated in the brickwork.
In 1908, a new Safe Works was opened on Wednesfield Road, about one mile from Railway Street. Production transferred from London and the safe making department at Railway Street also moved to the new location. The transfer from Glengall Road was organised like a military operation, to minimise loss of working time.
The building was in use by Chubb until 1960, following which the Local Authority used it as enterprise workshops with little success.
The landmark Grade II listed building was restored by MIA to provide a prestigious mixed use business suites comprising of 39 units totalling 30,378 sq. ft for media and creative industries. In addition to the Studio Suites it includes a large glazed atrium covered courtyard, cinema, bar and bistro. The centre is typically 95-100% let in spite of the tenancy being on monthly terms.
Chubb registered their first patent for a burglar-resistant safe in 1835
Chubb registered their first patent for a burglar-resistant safe in 1835.