Concerns have been expressed over the redevelopment of Nottingham’s iconic British Waterways building after plans for flats to be built were submitted.
A joint proposal between the Canal & River Trust and developer block group has lodged plans to redevelop a well-known landmark in Nottingham into 95 flats.
H20 Urban is hoping to convert the British Waterways Building near the Nottingham Railway Station from leisure to residential use.
A member of Nottingham Civil Society, Hilary Silvester, shared her concerns about the plans.
She said: “The two stories they may add to the roof will impact the aesthetic and atmosphere of the area, as this building has always been a prominent part of the city, adding extra height would alter the look.”
“The addition of two extra floors would impact the skyline of Nottingham, and the views from the castle.”
The newly-submitted plans follow a public consultation and outline the development consisting of 95 residential units, 12 studios, 42 one-bedroom apartments and 41 two-bedroom apartments, including construction of a rooftop extension providing eight apartments.
The redevelopment would also include alterations to include new lifts, staircases, secondary glazing, reception and a commercial lounge.
The project has been designed by Franklin Ellis and has been described as a “sensitive conversion”.
A planning statement adds: “The building is currently partially occupied by a comedy club (Glee). However, the lease for the space is coming to an end and will not be renewed by the occupiers. The other areas of lower floors were formally occupied by a pub (The Company Inn, Wetherspoons) and the upper floors by a gymnasium but are all currently empty. There has been little commercial interest in the space.”
The British Waterways Building is a prominent Grade 2 listed building located immediately adjacent to the Nottingham Canal within the Castle Wharf area of the city centre. It was originally built in 1919 for the storage and loading of goods and materials onto canal barges for transportation across the country.
Richard Thomas, bloc group development director, leading on the project for H2O Urban, said: “The British Waterways Building is a much-loved feature of Nottingham’s canal side area. It has played a key role in city life in the past and we want to see it do so again. H2O Urban’s plans would see the building fully utilised for the first time in many decades. This will help to preserve the building by giving it a long-term future while also adding a sense of safety and vibrancy to the canal side area.”
Construction is estimated to finish “towards the end of 2023 or early 2024.”
Richard expects “young professionals to be attracted most to the complex.”
