The former Nottingham City Council library building, located on Angel Row, could undergo a major transformation as plans have been unveiled to convert it into a mixed-use development.
The proposal aims to turn the former library site into modern student halls of residence while incorporating retail and commercial spaces on the ground floor.
The property was built in 1898-99 by architect Harry Hill and was used as a shop and warehouse for Henry Gill.
It has been a library since 1977.
The former library served the residents of Nottingham before it was closed in 2021.
The closure followed the opening of the new state-of-the-art Nottingham Central Library as part of the city’s regeneration project.
Despite its closure, the building has been an enduring feature of the Angel Row area, with its bold, modernist architecture reflecting the style of its time.
While it no longer serves as a library, the building holds historical value, and there is a clear intent from the developers to preserve and celebrate this heritage in the forthcoming transformation. Elements of the original design will be retained, blending the building’s past with its new role as a centre for student living.
The redevelopment, submitted by WAAL, a West Bridgford-based architects – includes extensive details on how the 1960s-built structure will be repurposed to cater to the growing demand for student housing in Nottingham.
According to the design and access statement, the project will create studio apartments designed to provide high-quality accommodation for students attending the city’s universities, with amenities such as communal study areas and lounges to foster a balanced academic and social lifestyle.
In addition to student housing, the ground floor of the building is earmarked for a variety of uses. Retail space will be made available, with the potential for businesses such as cafés, restaurants, and shops to open. This will contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of Nottingham’s city centre, adding vibrancy to Angel Row and benefiting both the student population and the wider community.
The development plan also places a significant emphasis on sustainability. With the design targeting a “fabric first” approach, the building will feature energy-efficient measures such as improved insulation and modern heating systems, aiming to reduce its environmental impact. Furthermore, provisions have been made for secure cycle storage, encouraging greener transportation methods among the building’s residents.
Accessibility has been a key consideration in the planning of the site, with the provision of lift access and step-free routes throughout the building. The site is well connected to local amenities and public transport, making it an ideal location for students and visitors alike.
The redevelopment of the former library is seen as part of a broader trend in Nottingham, where underused buildings are being repurposed to meet the city’s housing needs. If approved, the project will not only provide much-needed student accommodation but will also contribute to the economic regeneration of the area.
The proposal has now been submitted for planning approval, with construction expected to commence in the coming months, subject to consent. The developers anticipate that the building will be ready for students by the start of the 2025 academic year.
Planned beds are a total of 165 – a mix of 32% studio apartments and 68% cluster bedrooms.
