By Henry Green
Nottingham’s canal conservation area has been taken off the ‘at risk’ list – and local historians say it’s because of efforts to improve shop fronts and create “more reason” to visit the area.
The canal, its surrounding wharves and the Carrington Street area of the city were listed as ‘at risk’ by the national organisation because parts of its historic 19th and 20th Century buildings needed better protection.
This Historic England register looks at conservation areas and listed buildings and places them ‘at risk’ if they need efforts to protect their heritage.
But an update to the register reveals the Canan Conservation Area – which includes the railway station and several industrial, commercial and residential buildings – has now been removed from the register.
The organisation said the area has benefited from “major improvements”, including repairs to historical buildings and works to make the area more enjoyable to the public.
It’s a decision welcomed by the Nottingham Civic Society, which itself has plaques in the area commemorating rich historical events.
That includes the first hot air balloon landing in 1813 on Canal Street, and another remembering a canalside explosion.
Ian Wells, the executive secretary at Nottingham’s civic society, said the at-risk removal is “really encouraging” and believes this part of the city needs “really pushing”.
Ian, who’s lived in the city for 50 years, said: “There are lots of very good sights, with the likes of the fantastic re-doing of Carrington Street and the work that’s going to be done now that Broadmarsh has gone.
“That’s is going to be very encouraging.
“We’ve got a very good historical connection here and it’s well worth exploiting.
“If we can attract people down here again that would be great, we don’t want a situation where people are just charging into the station and going home.”
The Canal and River Trust has ongoing programmes to keep the area preserved.
Scott Miller, business and corporate engagement partner for the Canal and River Trust, added: “This canal is a really important space for people in the city and visitors from a tourism point of view – and also for the environment.
“It’s great and we want to continue to animate these spaces along the canal to encourage more people to use the canal.”
