Thousands of jobs could be created by a £100m office block next to Nottingham railway station. The second phase of the Unity Square project, an even taller office building than the tower occupied by HMRC, has been recommended for approval at Nottingham City Council's planning committee on February 22.
The new building would be built on the remaining cleared part of the site to the rear of the finished HMRC offices. The application seeks approval for outstanding ‘reserved matters’, including the appearance and landscaping of the 12-storey office development, as Nottingham City Council had already granted outline planning permission for two office buildings totalling up to 58,360 square-metre in January 2019.
In the new building there would also be a lower ground floor which would provide parking for 30 cars, 100 bicycles, and bin storage. Peveril Securities and its joint venture partner Sladen Estates, who are behind the development, previously said their latest scheme could create up to 2,000 new jobs and be worth an estimated £100m once finished.
Read more: Neighbours in Stapleford fear being 'blocked off' over new community centre plan for park
Vehicular access would be provided from the new junction off Sheriffs Way, which is shared with the first phase's building. The originally submitted scheme proposed a more triangular shaped building with flat elevations that would be largely finished in a terracotta coloured cladding, but this has been re-designed to more closely reflect the original proposals that were submitted as part of the site's outline application in 2019.
Nottingham Civic Society has continued to object to the height, massing and design of the second phase Unity Square building, even after the plans were revised. In a planning document a representative said: "The application demonstrates the mistakes of granting outline permission for such a large building in advance of proper consideration of its impact on surrounding heritage assets."
However, a Nottingham City Council planning officer concluded the plan would not significantly damage the historical building, instead arguing it would preserve the area's character. In a planning report, which advised councillors to approve the plan, the officer added: "The revised scheme does not mirror but now more closely follows the architectural language of Phase 1.
"This is felt to have been successful in breaking down the mass of the building and creating a complimentary neighbour to Phase 1, but with more subtle differences in terms of its detailing and materiality.
"In reflecting the architectural language of Phase 1 and creating a complimentary neighbouring building, it is considered that the proposed appearance of the building would preserve the character and appearance of the Station Conservation Area and setting of surrounding listed buildings. In conclusion, it is considered that the proposed appearance of the building and landscaping proposals would make a positive contribution to the site and its surroundings."
After many years and a number of failed plans, including hopes for a new Channel 4 base and a hotel, 1 Unity Square opened in 2022. HMRC and the UK Government signed a 25-year lease for the nine-storey office block back in 2018, and it now hosts around 5,000 employees.
Read next:
- New traders in as unique shop bounces back from liquidation
- Part of the city centre where a number of shops have closed
- Gym demolition in restoration of railway station with rich history
- Life in the Nottinghamshire village that is 'so unique' it attracts shoppers from across county
- 'Mid-range hotel' among calls for city's former Debenhams building
