The manager at the only Hooters in the UK is eagerly anticipating the continued redevelopment of Nottingham's southside as plans are lodged for three new apartment buildings opposite the popular American sports-bar and restaurant. New details of proposals to bulldoze several businesses opposite Hooters and replace them with hundreds of flats came to light in April.
Three blocks would be built at the junction of London Road and Queens Road on a site which is situated within the Nottingham Station Conservation Area. It is currently inhabited by a number of business outlets including United Carpets, used-car sellers NottinghamCar.com and Magpie Security.
The plans, drawn up by Consarc Design Group Limited on behalf of ES Nottingham, reveal the proposed development of 82 apartments, on top of 163 apartments with gym, cycle facilities and a private rooftop terrace. A third tower would contain 406 student apartments with facilities such as communal lounge, study areas, cycle storage and a laundry.
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It would form yet another development in the continued regeneration of Nottingham's southside. So far a number of student blocks have been put up in the area and the developments come alongside the highly-praised transformation of Carrington Street and the recent opening of HMRC's Unity Square office block.
Julian Mills, the managing director and owner of Hooters UK, told Nottinghamshire Live: "It is good for us but it is about whether it is good for the city. Those units are not a great sight at the moment so it will improve the whole area.
"It is great that they are redeveloping the city. I think the redevelopment is going to be adding more value to the city."
Hooters recently made the headlines after it was granted a license to open a venue in Liverpool. Mr Mills has also more recently submitted an application to Salford Council for a licence for a third Hooters restaurant which would include live music, recorded music and dance performances.
Asked whether the tower block plans would increase the number of customers Mr Mills agreed and added: "We are doing alright. After the last year or so we have been trading pretty well."
Some concern had however been raised over the future of the exisiting businesses on the site. Shaun Radford, the manager of United Carpets, says he had already been forced to move from The Meadows when the tram was extended.
Two smaller apartment blocks would be joined by a taller tower block. Planning documents state: "Following several option appraisals, it was found that a mixed-use proposal would offer the greatest opportunity for a successful development. Three independent buildings all connected by a central courtyard."
