‘Shame’ of plan to use beloved building for flats
BUT LANDMARK HAS MAINLY BEEN DISUSED FOR YEARS
PLANS to turn a beloved historic building into flats are a “shame” according to Nottingham people.
A public consultation on the potential conversion of Nottingham’s British Waterways Building was launched on Monday.
The project would transform it into 95 apartments.
Developer H2O Urban – a partnership between the building’s owner, the Canal and River Trust, and specialist partnership developer bloc group – says it wants to make full use of the space for the first time in decades.
The building is part of the Castle Wharf development, which was converted for restaurant and leisure use in 1996. Since that time, there have been few occupiers.
A gym and the Company Inn Wetherspoons pub are both closed now with only the Glee Club comedy venue still operating.
But regulars at the comedy club criticised the plans.
Kevin Bullock, 63, added: “It is a real shame.
“It does not surprise me because the majority of our buildings are being converted into flats.
“I think that more venues should be incorporated into the building – otherwise these people will live in a prison.”
Kevin and Michelle Bullock, both working in retail, planned to go to Glee on Monday night.
Michelle, 58, said “We used to go to Wetherspoons as well before it closed – such a shame.
“It worries me to see that so many buildings just turn into flats in Nottingham.
“I guess it is because the building is not being fully used – but we should have a mix.”
Self-employed Pauline Yong, of The Park, added: “I think it is a good idea as long it is done sensitively.
“There is no point in keeping a building empty when people can make use of it.”
The plans have been designed to give a new lease of life to the building, with the exterior being preserved and historic internal features being refurbished and retained including a number of striking spiral staircases.
An additional floor would be added, providing the scope to create eight apartments.
Pauline, 61, added: “It is important to preserve the historical look of the building, I think. So as long as they keep the outside the way it is now I do not think it will be a problem.”
Set out over seven floors, the proposed plans for the building comprise a mix of studio, one- and two-bed homes ranging in size from 40 to 85 square metres. Communal space will be included. Civil servant Nathan Klimas, 29, of West Bridgford, added: “I just think that a building like this should be open to everyone, not just the ones who will be able to pay to live there.
“I think I would agree with it as long as it is affordable housing.
“It would only target the high-up people otherwise, and I am not sure how that is a nice addition to the city centre area.
“The building should not be a gratification to the city centre and I think that we should preserve our history, heritage and buildings.”
The building, formerly known as the Trent Navigation Company warehouse, is Grade II listed.
It was built around 1919 for the storage and loading of goods and materials on to canal barges.
Richard Thomas, bloc group Development Director and leader 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.
“H2O Urban was set up in 2004 and has since delivered many successful developments at key locations along Canal and River Trusts canals. We are excited to be involved with this project and look forward to hearing people’s views.”
The three-week consultation runs until 5pm on Friday, October 8.