Nottingham: Increasing Housing in City Centres

Historic England believes in the vital role of the reuse of empty heritage assets and, in Nottingham, this thinking was at the heart of the Heritage Action Zone. Historic England and Nottingham City Council commissioned a residential capacity survey that showed that in the area immediately surrounding Nottingham’s Old Market Square, there is vacant space that could accommodate no fewer than 300 two-bedroom flats. Not only that, but the cost of converting upper floors to residential accommodation would typically bring 9-11% annual return on capital costs of the conversion - a compelling case for investment and change.

By reusing and adapting existing property we are diminishing the waste from demolition, capturing the energy consumed in the original construction and avoiding new energy use. Bringing our heritage back into productive use and extending their life in this way can help us to meet our sustainability goals and reduce our carbon footprint. There are also additional social and wellbeing benefits of providing mixed-use urban developments where people can work, live and spend their social time.

During the Heritage Action Zone project, seven shop fronts on Wheeler Gate were restored to enable street access to residences, improve the commercial draw for the retailer and enhance the experience of the area. 40 housing units were also brought back into active use, giving people new homes in the heart of high street.

Working on housing projects above commercial premises has helped to boost the local retail economy, provide quality homes, deliver a substantial additional income stream for owners, and provide jobs and opportunities for the construction sector.