NOTTINGHAM’S most exciting redevelopment scheme to happen in the city in decades is to be recommended for outline planning next month (April), it was announced yesterday (12 March).
The 40-acre former Boots Island site, which has lain derelict for many years, is to be transformed into new homes, grade A office space, creative market space, a hotel, retail and a ‘linear’ park and community space with student accommodation.
The developer behind the scheme, Conygar Investment Company PLC, has been working closely with Nottingham City Council for more than a year to bring the best scheme possible to the city.
After decades of the site laying undeveloped, Councillor Jon Collins, leader of Nottingham City Council and Paul Seddon, director of planning and regeneration say that they are ready to recommend the Island Site for planning approval at April’s planning committee and looking forward to working closely with the developer to help make the scheme a success.
The announcement to recommend the Island Site for outline planning was made yesterday at MIPIM – the world’s largest property showcase in Cannes where investors and developers from around the globe gather to do business.
Robert Ware of Conygar said: “I am delighted with today’s announcement from the planning team that they intend to recommend the scheme for outline planning permission.
“Conygar has been working closely with planners at the city council over previous months in order to come up with the best possible scheme for Nottingham.
“This is a crucial site for the city because it will generate hundreds of jobs – both during and after the build but we will be creating much needed grade A office space which will attract key employers to the city. The scheme will undoubtedly boost the local economy and assist in elevating Nottingham’s profile even further as one of the UK’s key regional cities for investors and employers.”
Councillor Collins said: “We are already working with Conygar to help make the development a success and, once outline planning permission is in place, we will be ready to increase that work in order to help make the Island Site a high quality and vibrant part of the city that Nottingham deserves.”
Paul Seddon said: “I am confident that I will be recommending outline approval of the planning application at the April planning committee. We have developed a very good working relationship with Conygar. The key issues that needed to be looked at have been addressed and the proposed scheme will create an important and great new part of the city.”
Mr Ware added: “We look forward to working with our partners and suppliers to develop all aspects of the mixed-use scheme into a thriving community.
“We are passionate about delivering a sustainable development where people aspire to live and work. This is a long-term phased project which is likely to take up to ten years to complete and will create hundreds of jobs in the region before and after the building work.
“Nottingham is a vibrant and creative city where several exciting developments are taking place and our plans for the 40-acre site are a key part of this regeneration. We believe this is a unique development which will help to elevate Nottingham’s position in the Midlands and the UK.”
Brendan Moffett, chief executive for Marketing NG said: “These plans will breathe new life into a site which has sat unloved for many years and I’m confident the proposals will be the catalyst our city needs to help strengthen our economy thanks to the additional grade A office space which many employers are interested in.”
Greg Millers-Cheevers from urban regeneration specialists Lavignac added: “We have worked closely with Nottingham City Council, existing site occupiers and stakeholders in the city to develop these plans. We have also taken the time to listen to the public which has shaped how we plan to integrate the development into the city and neighbouring communities.”
