News

British Waterways building plans to be modified as works underway

By Latifa Yedroudj, Junior Local Democracy Reporter

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Nottingham City Council has given the go-ahead for internal modifications to the iconic British Waterways building as work progresses on turning it into flats.

The building, located in Castle Wharf in the centre of Nottingham, is being converted into 95 apartments including including 12 studios, 42 one-bedroom and 41 two-bedroom apartments.

The rooftop will also be extended to feature eight penthouse apartments.

Nottingham City Council has now approved plans to modify certain aspects of the building to accommodate the residential units.

This includes new lifts, staircases, secondary glazing, a reception and communal lounge along with other alterations to facilitate the proposals.

The planning application for internal and external alterations to the building was approved by the council on February 10.

Under the plans, a TV aerial satellite dish will be installed on the roof along with changes to where air vents will be installed in the building.

There will also be internal alterations to the ground floor along with new opaque glazing to the front door at the north side of the building.

There will a revised basement layout and modifications to windows on the western elevation of the building.

The fourth-floor entrance will be painted dark green to match the windows.

A spokesperson for Canal and River Trust said: “The application addresses some minor changes to the approved design which have become necessary.

“The fundamental details remain unchanged.

“The works are continuing on site and the project expected to be completed later this year.”

The changes will “not significantly harm” the outward appearance of the building so as to retain its original historic charm, planning documents say.

Planning documents read: “Overall, all the changes proposed will not significantly harm the significance of the building as a Victorian Warehouse sited next to a canal, and any harm caused would be outweighed by the
public benefit of bringing back into use a building that was partially vacant and its renewal.”

Plans for the initial building works were given the green light by Nottingham City Council’s planning committee in September 2022.

Works on the building began on June 5 2024, and the project is expected to be completed later this year.

Work is being done by Jessops Construction Limited.

The scheme is being developed by H2O urban and property company bloc, in partnership with the Canal and River Trust.

It is being funded by Citra Living, part of Lloyds Banking Group.

The grade-II listed warehouse was originally built in 1919.

Most recently the building was home to Wetherspoon pub, The Company Inn, as well as a gym and comedy club, before they closed ahead of the redevelopment.

It once acted as an industrial artery for the prosperous city, bustling with canal boats loading and unloading cargo after the Trent Navigation Company was created in 1783.

It later ceased operations in 1940.