Council clears way for Guildhall development
MIXED-USE APPROACH WILL REVITALISE LANDMARK SITE
THE land surrounding the historic Guildhall building has been designated as ‘mixed-use’ by the city council, giving the go-ahead for developers.
Earlier this year, planning permission was granted for the Grade II building to become a hotel, complete with a 13-storey tower behind it.
But on the site behind the old building are several newer, now derelict buildings, which will be demolished.
Now, Nottingham City Council has designated this land mixed-use, meaning developers can use the land for: “Offices, non-residential institution, leisure, residential, student accommodation, ancillary uses including retail, financial and professional services, and food and drink delivered as an integral part of a mixed use scheme.”
Detailed planning applications are yet to be submitted, but are in the process of being drawn up, the city council says.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The Guildhall redevelopment represents a huge opportunity for Nottingham due to its historic importance and prominent city centre location, so it’s welcome to see real progress is now being made on the scheme.
“The future of city centres is a hot topic at the moment. While nobody can predict exactly what they will look like in the post-covid world, what we do know is that imaginative thinking is required to attract people to continue using them as much as they did before the pandemic.
“Therefore, a mixed-use approach to revitalising such a landmark site feels like the right one to take, rather than placing too much emphasis on any single aspect.”
A council report says: “As yet, a formal planning application remains to be submitted and we are informed that work in preparation for such an application is under way.
“The Guildhall complex is an important part of the Royal Quarter of the city centre.
“The Guildhall itself is a grade II listed building. As has been recognised in the local plan allocation for the redevelopment of the Guildhall complex, it is suitable for a mixed use development comprising a hotel, student accommodation, offices, retail, residential, leisure, non-residential institution and other associated uses.
“The future use of the Guildhall complex for those uses proposed will undoubtedly lead to the promotion and improvement of the economic well-being, social well-being or environmental well-being of the city council’s area.
“The regeneration of this currently under-used complex is much-needed.
“It will deliver social benefits through the hotel and the proposed student housing in the city centre and in such close proximity to Nottingham Trent University, environmental benefits through the design and use of the public realm, economic benefits by returning the site to more intensive and value-adding uses, and bring a Grade II listed building (the Guildhall itself) back into beneficial use and so ensure that an important part of the city’s heritage is protected.” Nottingham retail analyst Nelson Blackley said: “The redevelopment of the building, which has been derelict for almost ten years into 162 bed four-star hotel, will provide a welcome addition to Nottingham’s hotel stock, as well as providing conference and wedding facilities. “This is good news for Nottingham and an indicator of the confidence developers and investors have in the city, even during the current pandemic. “It’s also welcome news that the regeneration of this site is likely to create over 250 jobs for the city as well as elevating Nottingham as a tourist destination. “The Guildhall redevelopment scheme will help provide the quality of accommodation and associated facilities now expected by those coming to Nottingham to attend major sporting and cultural events.”
This is good news for Nottingham and an indicator of the confidence developers have in the city. Nelson Blackley