A historic Nottingham bunker built to withstand a nuclear attack on the city could form part of a new housing development.
Plans were submitted to Nottingham City Council to convert Nottingham War Rooms, in Chalfont Drive, Beechdale, into a “thriving hub” on Thursday (January 16).
Developer Hamilton Russell Harperwood Ltd, along with East Midlands Housing Association, are behind the scheme, which includes 104 affordable homes.
The large Grade II-listed bunker was built in the 1950s as protected government accommodation that could withstand all but a direct hit of a nuclear bomb, including nuclear fallout.
It was further extended in the early 1960s to act as a Regional Seat of Government and to provide more occupancy after the development of more destructive bombs during the Cold War.
The vast space includes 36 dormitories, designed to accommodate over 400 people, a kitchen and the 1960s BBC broadcasting studio.
The site was decommissioned in 1965, then used as a storage facility. It was later mothballed and closed its doors in the early 1990s.
Temporary office buildings, which housed the Land Registry, were put on land around the main surface building but these have since been removed.
Nottingham-based youth charity Base 51 is expected to relocate to a revamped basement of the building along with the ground floor above.
The building’s original kitchen on the ground floor will be left “generally intact” to allow for “occasional unique dining experiences”, according to documents.
A café-restaurant will also feature on this floor to be used by visitors of the building.
The southern half of the ground floor- built as part of the 1960s extension- will act as the main entrance for the rest of the building.
The bunker’s first floor will be converted into a health and leisure facility and the majority of the second floor is to be used for office and conferencing purposes.
The old BBC broadcasting studio will be kept and refurbished in line with its original appearance as it is a “highly significant heritage asset” according to planning papers.
New state-of-the-art recording studios will also feature on the second floor and the roof floor will be extended for a rooftop café-bar.
Plans aim to keep the overall appearance of the building but some updates will be made, such as new window cuttings for increased daylight and updates to the building’s fabric due to rainwater damage.
The large development also includes 104 affordable homes, with 64 being rented and 40 as shared-ownership- these will be provided by East Midlands Homes.
There will be six one-bed maisonettes, with three being wheelchair accessible, along with 59 two-bed and 39 three-bed homes.
The appearances of the new homes are designed as “nodding to” the traditional brick of the existing surrounding residential areas and also the “brutal concrete” of the War Rooms building.
Documents also state a new children’s play area will feature in a landscaped ‘buffer zone’ around the War Rooms building.
The main access to the homes would come from Robins Wood Road, with the Bellmouth junction on Colney way also serving as access.
Nottingham City Council will consider the plans at a later date.
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.”
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.”
• Nottingham War Rooms: Regeneration plans submitted to give new lease of life to derelict site
