By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
A developer has submitted plans to transform the former Nottingham Central Library building into student accommodation and three retail units.
Nottingham City Council has sold the building in Angel Row to Harington Students Ltd, after its previous attempt to sell the site fell through.
In its planning documents the developer says it will be keeping the existing building, which was constructed between 1898 and 1899 and used as a library from 1977.
The managed halls of residence will include 53 one-bedroom studios and 29 shared cluster flats, with a total 165 bed spaces.
“The developer was awarded the purchase of the building from Nottingham City Council via competitive tender, and it is understood the other parties were all proposing to demolish the existing building, apart from the Angel Row frontage, in order to facilitate a new building on the site,” a design statement says.
“It is clear the existing building is of sufficient quality to be retained and converted. The advantages of converting the building rather than demolishing are numerous.
“The application to retain and convert is a much simpler application and could be easily determined much more quickly.
“The implications of the removal of a building of this scale within a city centre location would be vast. Noise, dust and public safety would all be at risk.
“Retaining and refurbishing the existing building rather than demolition would be very beneficial to [the council], and their aspirations and commitment to low-carbon construction.”
WA Architecture, on behalf of Harington Students Ltd, says the building will include a manned-office as well as a car park and 48 spaces for bicycles.
It will also feature a sports bar, gym, spa, games room, karaoke room, golf simulator room, cinema and other entertainment spaces.
The developer says it is anticipated the building will be finished and open for the 2026/27 academic year.
Retail units at the ground floor will include a kitchen and will be used for hot food takeaways.
“The public would benefit from the proposal as the building would provide an additional 165 student bedrooms within purpose-built, managed accommodation, which would help to meet the needs of the housing stock of a growing student population,” documents add.
