The historic Nottingham War Rooms is set for a major transformation after a planning application led by developer Langcroft received approval.
The project will see the iconic site redeveloped into a vibrant mixed-use community hub, alongside the creation of 104 affordable homes for East Midlands Housing Group (emh), with all design work carried out by Nottingham-based CPMG Architects.
Situated close to the city centre, the Grade II-listed wartime bunker has long been regarded as one of Nottingham’s most distinctive heritage landmarks. The approval represents a major step forward for a regeneration scheme that aims to combine heritage preservation with new housing and community-focused spaces. Langcroft was appointed to the project through a Homes England tender in 2022, and the development team has since worked to protect the site’s historic character while maximising its social value for the city.
Under the approved plans, the 4,563 sq m bunker will be reimagined as a community hub offering workspace, conference facilities, exhibition areas, flexible commercial units, health and wellbeing amenities, food and beverage spaces and media suites. CPMG Architects will also retain several significant features inside the War Rooms, including original 1950s and 1960s rooms such as the Lamson Tube Room, plant rooms, kitchen areas and the former BBC recording studio, which will be restored.
Parmi Uppal MSc from Homes England said: “We are pleased to support this important project, which delivers much-needed affordable housing while preserving a historically significant site. The partnership approach taken by Langcroft, CPMG Architects, EMH Group, Historic England and ourselves has been exemplary, and we look forward to seeing the scheme progress into delivery.”
Craig Cameron, land and partnerships at Langcroft, added: “This is an exceptionally proud moment for everyone involved. Delivering 104 affordable homes while bringing the historic War Rooms back to life is exactly the kind of development we believe in one that blends heritage with community benefit. The support and collaboration from emh Group, CPMG, Historic England, Homes England and Owl Homes has been outstanding, and we’re thrilled to reach this milestone together.”
Originally engineered to function as a protected stronghold in the event of a nuclear strike, the fortress-like structure will undergo significant modernisation to improve accessibility, introduce new entrances, redesign the roof and enhance natural light throughout the building.
Sara Harraway, director and interior design lead at CPMG, said: “The plans for the Nottingham War Rooms and surrounding site showcases how the past and the present can align to create a desirable destination for living, working, wellbeing and leisure; it imbues modern design, inspired by its beautifully brutal architectural canvas, to create sustainable and tangible community facilities. As a design team with our HQ so close to the site, the regeneration of the War Rooms is an incredibly exciting project for us, and we’re really proud to be a part of it.”
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