Work starts on conversion of Nottingham's landmark British Waterways Building

Work has stared on turning one of Nottingham's most prominent landmarks into a build-to-rent scheme comprising of 95 apartments, including 12 studio flats, 41 one-bedroom and 42 two-bedroom flats. This includes a rooftop extension housing eight apartments. The scheme is expected to take about 14 months to complete.

The £13 million project is set to transform Nottingham’s Grade II listed former British Waterways building on the canal side area at Castle Wharf, which used to be the industrial heart of the city in the 19th century. It was originally built in 1919 and, most recently, the towering warehouse was home to Wetherspoon pub, The Company Inn, as well as a gym and the Glee Comedy Club.

Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp

The development is being carried by a partnership of The Canal & River Trust (CRT), H2Ourban – the joint venture between bloc Group and CRT – and Citra Living, part of Lloyds Banking Group. It is expected to bridge the gap in Nottingham’s rental market.

Richard Thomas, chief executive for H2O, said: “We’re revitalising an area of Nottingham with a brand new and modern offering, while maintaining and protecting enough of its character that we don’t lose its rich history.

"The H2O partnership goes back two decades and specialises in creating exemplary waterside developments that provide both economic and social value, and this latest project certainly does that."

Located in the Canal Conservation Area, the six-storey former warehouse was originally built to help move goods along the Nottingham and Beeston Canal.

Andy Hutchinson, chief executive of Citra Living, said: “Bringing disused buildings back into use and regenerating areas into new communities is central to what Citra is about. Regenerating the warehouse at Castle Wharf will bring much needed homes to the area, allowing more people to live in the type of quality homes they want in the areas that give them access to the facilities and amenities they want."

Land receipts and profits gift aided from H20 play an important part in helping the Canal and River Trust fund the care and upkeep of the nation’s historic canals and rivers.

Get the latest breaking news and top stories from Nottinghamshire in our daily newsletter