Renowned interior architecture and design specialist Macaulay Sinclair has been appointed to create two stunning waterfront restaurants at The Island Quarter in Nottingham, the £650 million regeneration scheme.
Working nationally and internationally for well-known hospitality brands, Macaulay Sinclair will be creating a stunning design for the three-storey pavilion building at Canal Turn – the first element of phase 1A.
Macaulay Sinclair, which is also based in Nottingham, is well-known for creating interiors of big-name hospitality brands including Dishoom, Caravan, and Hawksmoor. The company was chosen for The Island Quarter because of its “highly creative approach”, its understanding of this historical site – and vast industry knowledge and originality.
Mike Sinclair, co-founder of Macaulay Sinclair, said: “Despite being based in Nottingham, the vast majority of our work is outside the area – and particularly in London. To be appointed to work on this prominent scheme right on our doorstep is hugely exciting for us and we couldn’t be more pleased to be working with The Island Quarter’s dynamic team.
“We will be bringing something really new to Nottingham with the plans we are currently working on. We will be creating something really visual and interesting right by the canal and providing more than just a restaurant, but a destination that people want to be part of.”
The design studio, located in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, was founded in 2003 and prides itself on creating exceptional spaces for the hospitality sector, including bars, restaurants, hotels and clubs.
Mike added: “We have worked on a wide variety of projects over the years, from niche independent restaurants, to much larger projects for well-known operators. We are really excited to use our skills, passion and eye for detail to create an inspiring space for people to eat, drink and socialise.”
Christopher Ware, property director of Conygar, said: “We are really pleased to have appointed Macaulay Sinclair for the design of the two restaurants at The Island Quarter. Nottingham is home to some of the very best creatives and it is important that we partner with highly regarded and successful businesses, that understand the city and our ambitions for the site.
“The company has a strong and renowned reputation for creating high-level interiors and inspiring spaces, which it has proved from its successful results with its brilliant portfolio of clients. We have no doubt that Macaulay Sinclair will create something fresh and contemporary, combined with style and tradition to meet our vision for The Island Quarter.
“We are passionate about working with Nottingham businesses and we’re keen to ensure that the site is built and designed using as much of the local supply chain as possible.”
The two restaurants at the pavilion will be open in time for Christmas 2021.
The first phase of the development, which was submitted for planning on 24 July, is expected to receive full approval from Nottingham City Council in October – followed by an immediate start on site and is expected to be completed by November 2021.
July’s detailed planning application also features provision for a bandstand and a substantial area of new public space – all of which will open up the canal basin area enhancing one of Nottingham’s most under-utilised assets.
Earlier this month, it was announced that building and civil engineering company Sir Robert McAlpine will be the main contractor to kickstart the first phase. The contractor will join architects Jestico + Whiles and food and beverage consultant Indie Consulting, which are both involved in the first phase of the scheme.
The landmark site will strengthen the local economy by creating 100 permanent jobs from the first phase alone and will help to elevate Nottingham as one of the UK’s key regional cities for investors and employers.
The development, which received outlined planning permission last year, will be transformed into new homes, grade A office space, creative market space, a lifestyle hotel, retail units, a ‘linear’ park, community space and student accommodation once complete.
