Plans for an innovative new bioscience facility on The Island Quarter have been approved by Nottingham City Council.
Announced during a joint presentation between the council and The Conygar Investment Company PLC at UKREiiF, the decision gives the developer the go-ahead to build 245,000 sq ft of laboratory space designed by Nottingham-based CPMG Architects – on the city centre site.
The presentation also included details of updates to the overall masterplan for the 36-acre site, which has been adapted following a series of engagement events with key figures in the areas of sustainability, ecology and transportation, as well as representatives from the city’s universities and members of the public.
Christopher Ware, property director at The Conygar Investment Company PLC, said:
“Gaining planning approval for the bioscience facility is a significant step forward for the continued regeneration of The Island Quarter. We are continuing to build momentum on site, and this latest phase will feed into the latest updates to the masterplan.
“These changes are heavily informed by our ongoing efforts in engaging with various stakeholders from across Nottingham alongside Nottingham City Council.
“We believe that those that have been involved in the process will be able to see their fingerprints all over this updated masterplan, and we look forward to taking this to the next stage.”
The key adjustments to the masterplan include additional wooded and grassland areas and a rethink of the streetscape throughout the eastern side of the side, improving access to the Victorian-era warehouses and recentering the green space around the structures.
Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said:
“The recent engagement events held jointly with Conygar and the city council have really been an exemplar of how local authorities and developers can be on the same page and work together on a major regeneration scheme for the good of all.
“Alongside the exciting progress on the bioscience facility, this announcement shows that there is a real commitment from Conygar to see this huge project through and create something that is unique of Nottingham, for Nottingham.”
Nick Gregory, director at CPMG Architects, said:
“We have optimised the use of glazing influenced by the anticipated internal arrangements of the new biosciences facility, and to reflect the usage of the buildings. The designs also serve to break down any divide and give a natural transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Conygar and the wider project delivery team to make the vision a reality.”
