Nottingham Trent University School of Art and Design Building

The proposal involved the demolition of the existing vacant building along Shakespeare Street to deliver a single block of mixed studio, laboratory and collaborative teaching spaces across nine integrated floors. 

Heritage constraints were identified, with the existing building being a non-designated heritage asset and lying within the Arboretum Conservation Area and surrounding Listed Buildings. Therefore, a robust planning application was required to demonstrate the public interest and benefits that outweigh the harm to heritage assets. 

P&DG prepared a thorough Supporting Planning Statement, Statement of Community Involvement and Public Benefits Assessment to accompany the application. An infogram was also prepared to visualise the substantial benefits the proposal would bring to Nottingham City. We negotiated and managed the application with Nottingham City Council, strategising complex matters to ensure this remarkable building was delivered. 

Nottingham was home to the first Design School outside of London, the government of 1943 recognising the industrious and creative nature pf the city’s people. This fantastic new building, which will create a shimmering landmark in the city, will continue that rich legacy and deliver the skills needed to foster Nottingham’s transition to a creative digital economy, in addition to the building being net zero carbon! The building will be a symbolic legacy to the City of Nottingham and provide significant investment in the city’s youth and future. 

(Rendered images courtesy of Hawkins Brown)