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Regeneration plans for the historic Nottingham War Rooms have been submitted by Aspbury Planning alongside Nottingham-headquartered practice CPMG Architects ahead of the historic, derelict site being transformed into a thriving mixed-use community hub.

Originally constructed in the Cold War era as one of 17 Regional War Rooms across England and Scotland able to withstand a nuclear strike, the Nottingham War Rooms later became a Seat for Regional Government in the 1960s after a second phase of construction. The structure also housed a BBC emergency broadcasting facility for use in a national emergency, prior to being used solely for storage since it was decommissioned in 1969.

CPMG Architects, which is headquartered not far from the site in Nottingham, is set to preserve significant design elements within the building. Redevelopment of the 4,563 sq m, Grade II listed concrete building will include the preservation of important historic spaces developed in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Lamson Tube Room, plant rooms and kitchen facility.

CPMG will being using its architecture and interior design expertise to transform the site into a community hub offering long-term and viable use, while including designated heritage zones. The design plans also include exhibition spaces, media spaces, co-working and conference facilities, health and wellbeing amenities, café and restaurant, and a roof terrace.

With the building’s original design prioritising protection from nuclear fallout, the fortress-like structure offers complexities that have needed to be considered within the design, such as limited windows and natural light, along with restricted accessibility. Within the plans submitted, these elements are set to be addressed to support the site’s modernisation, including new entrances and a re-designed roof for improved usability.

Sara Harraway, director and interior design lead at CPMG, said: “The Nottingham War Rooms site offers an opportunity to create a truly unique destination by combining heritage, modern interior design and tangible community benefit. While the existing brutalist design will be loved by some and deemed not so visually appealing to others, this ‘brutal beauty’ will be set to make a real difference.

“Our plans centre around enhancing the usability of the site and the creation of a visual dialogue between past and present to respect both the functionality and the significance of the building and its place in the UK’s Cold War history. We’ll take a sensitive approach to the interior design, respecting it’s features and seeking to retain its character, using its colour palette, detailing and materials to influence our design development. Lighting will be a critical factor in its success, creating sensitive museum quality environments, to inspirational workspaces and desirable coffee bars and restaurants.

“Following a thorough consultation process prior to the planning submission being submitted, the scheme has come to life. It is incredibly clear how positive and influential the project will be in transforming the building, surrounding area and the local community in Beechdale – which currently does not have adequate provision of available services. The Nottingham War Rooms and its history may take centre stage from an outside perspective, but the most value will be gained from the way the repurposed space serves the community and educates future generations.”

The project is being led by property developer Hamilton Russell, in collaboration with landowner Homes England, and includes plans to align all work to local authority targets and environmental plans. Regeneration and community value will be prominent within the creation of a new 104-affordable home development on the 2.1 hectares of developable land surrounding the war rooms, also being designed by CPMG and backed by East Midlands Housing Group (emh).

The current proposals have provision for two tenure types, shared ownership and social rent. 37% of the proposed homes will be allocated for shared ownership and 63% will be allocated for social rent.

Key project partner and Nottingham-based young people’s charity Base 51 is set to call the war rooms building its new home if plans are approved, while further project partners are set to be confirmed.

Craig Cameron at Hamilton Russell said: “We have been working on this project for a number of years with Nottingham Planning, and are looking forward to getting the planning submitted, and are very excited about the getting started on site in 2025.”

For further information about the Nottingham War Rooms, visit https://www.nottinghamwarrooms.co.uk/

For more information on CPMG, visit https://www.cpmg-architects.com/