Regeneration plans for Nottingham War Rooms on Chalfont Drive in Beechdale have been submitted by Aspbury Planning alongside Nottingham-headquartered practice CPMG Architects, ahead of the historic, derelict site being transformed into a thriving mixed-use community hub.
The building was originally constructed during the Cold War era as one of 17 Regional War Rooms across England and Scotland to withstand a nuclear strike, before becoming a Seat for Regional Government in the 1960s following a second phase of construction.
The structure also housed a BBC emergency broadcasting facility for use in a national emergency, prior to being used solely for storage since it was decommissioned in 1969.
Redevelopment of the 4,563 sq m Grade II listed concrete building includes the preservation of important historic spaces developed in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Lamson Tube Room, plant rooms, and kitchen facility. CPMG will be using its architecture and interior design expertise to transform the site into a community hub offering long-term and viable use while including designated heritage zones.
Sara Harraway, director and interior design lead at CPMG, said:
“The Nottingham War Rooms site offers an opportunity to create a truly unique destination by combining heritage, modern interior design, and tangible community benefit. While the existing brutalist design will be loved by some and deemed not so visually appealing to others, this ‘brutal beauty’ will be set to make a real difference.
“Our plans centre around enhancing the usability of the site and creating a visual dialogue between past and present to respect both the functionality and significance of the building and its place in the UK’s Cold War history. We’ll take a sensitive approach to the interior design, respecting its features and seeking to retain its character, using its colour palette, detailing, and materials to influence our design development. Lighting will be a critical factor in its success, creating sensitive museum-quality environments, inspirational workspaces, and desirable coffee bars and restaurants.
“Following a thorough consultation process prior to the planning submission being submitted, the scheme has come to life. It is incredibly clear how positive and influential the project will be in transforming the building, the surrounding area, and the local community in Beechdale—which currently does not have adequate provision of available services. The Nottingham War Rooms and its history may take centre stage from an outside perspective, but the most value will be gained from the way the repurposed space serves the community and educates future generations.”
The project is being led by property developer Hamilton Russell in collaboration with landowner Homes England, and includes plans to align all work with local authority targets and environmental plans. Regeneration and community value will be prominent within the creation of a new 104-affordable home development on the 2.1 hectares of developable land surrounding the War Rooms, also being designed by CPMG and backed by East Midlands Housing Group (emh).
The current proposals include provision for two tenure types: shared ownership and social rent. Of the proposed homes, 37% will be allocated for shared ownership and 63% for social rent.
Key project partner and Nottingham-based young people’s charity Base 51 is set to call the War Rooms building its new home if plans are approved, while further partners are set to be confirmed.
Craig Cameron at Hamilton Russell said:
“We have been working on this project for a number of years with Nottingham Planning, and are looking forward to getting the planning submitted. We are very excited about getting started on-site in 2025.”
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