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‘Uncertainty’ for Nottingham snooker club as plans lodged to turn old factory site into student flats

By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter

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The owner of a Nottingham snooker club says he’s been left uncertain for the future after a developer lodged plans to turn an old leatherworks factory site into student flats.

Developer Abode wants to convert the factory building, in Denman Street East, Radford, and extend it to six storeys.

The extension to the building will create room for 205 units of student accommodation, featuring 66 studio rooms and 27 shared flats.

Part of the site is currently home to the Hidden Spot snooker and pool club.

Owner Tarajmeer Kakar said the plans had created uncertainty for the club’s home.

“We have not heard from our landlord yet,” he said.

“We are waiting to hear from our landlord and then we will make a plan. It’s a very popular club. We are the biggest one in Nottingham. The majority of our owners have been saying please ‘find another place’.

“It is a concern if we cannot find the right place at the right price.”

Mr Kakar said the club had experienced similar uncertainty back in 2022, when planning permission was submitted for more than 70 units of student accommodation.

In March that year permission was granted by Nottingham City Council for the conversion and extension of the existing building on the site to provide 73 units of student accommodation.

However the permission expired in March this year, before the new plans were submitted, featuring more bedrooms.

“The factory building is in a dilapidated state,” a new planning statement says, referring to a different part of the site which is not home to the snooker club.

“Windows are smashed or boarded up, with graffiti covering boards at ground level.

“At the back, a tree growing from the roof is evident, demonstrating a lack of care for this building in recent years.

“Rubbish is piled up outside and the site is overall in a poor state. The current snooker club buildings are in a slightly better condition, however vandalism is still present, demonstrating a site that desperately needs redeveloping.”

Around the site, there are a number of 18th and 19th century buildings, many with an industrial heritage.

The factory building is locally listed, which the developer says is the reason for retaining it under the plans.

By 1882 the southern part of the site was being used as a lacemaking factory, while there were back-to-back houses at the northern section.

Later on in 1956, the Grant Street Works were occupied by James Henry Ltd braid manufacturers and Gregg & Co boot and shoemakers.

In the following years and by the 1960s the housing was cleared.

Today the 20th Century buildings are used as the snooker hall and car parking, while the 19th Century factory building is used mainly for storage, documents add.

The new plans will now be considered by Nottingham City Council’s planning officers, with a decision expected at a later date.