Mixed-use scheme planned for Nottingham War Rooms – building originally constructed to withstand nuclear strike

A building in Nottingham which was originally constructed during the Cold War as one of 17 Regional War Rooms across England and Scotland to withstand a nuclear strike has been earmarked for the creation of a mixed-use community hub including a restaurant.Regeneration plans for Nottingham War Rooms on Chalfront Drive in Beechdale have been submitted by Aspbury Planning alongside CPMG Architects.Following its function as a war room, the site became a seat for regional government in the 1960s following 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.Redevelopment of the grade II-listed concrete building includes the preservation of historic spaces developed in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Lamson Tube Room, plant rooms and kitchen facility.The plans also include exhibition spaces, media spaces, co-working and conference facilities, health and wellbeing amenities, café and restaurant, and a roof terrace.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 its features and seeking to retain its character, using its colour palette, detailing and materials to influence our design development.She added: “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.A 104-affordable home scheme is being created on developable land surrounding the war rooms, also being designed by CPMG and backed by East Midlands Housing Group (emh).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 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 getting started on site in 2025.”