Nottingham’s Island Quarter announces approval for bioscience facility and updates
Nottingham City Council have given the go-ahead for a new innovative bioscience facility on The Island Quarter
The new plans were announced during a joint presentation between the council and The Conygar Investment Company PLC at UKREiiF. The decision will give the developer the go-ahead it needs to build 245,000 sq ft of laboratory space.
The space will be designed by Nottingham-based CPMG Architects on the city centre site. The presentation also included details of updates to the overall master plan for the 36-acre site. These have been adapted following a series of engagement events with key figures who have advised on areas of sustainability, ecology and transportation along with University representatives and members of the public.
The adjustments include additional wooded and grassland areas along with a rethink of the streetscape throughout the eastern side of the site along with improved access to the Victorian-era warehouses. The green space around the structures would also be recentred.
Christopher Ware, property director at The Conygar Investment Company PLC, said: “Gaining planning approval for the bioscience facility is a significant step forward for the continued regeneration of The Island Quarter. We are continuing to build momentum on site, and this latest phase will feed into the latest updates to the master plan.
“These changes are heavily informed by our ongoing efforts in engaging with various stakeholders from across Nottingham alongside Nottingham City Council. We believe that those that have been involved in the process will be able to see their fingerprints all over this updated masterplan, and we look forward to taking this to the next stage.
Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The recent engagement events held jointly with Conygar and the city council have really been an exemplar of how local authorities and developers can be on the same page and work together on a major regeneration scheme for the good of all.
“Alongside the exciting progress on the bioscience facility, this announcement shows that there is a real commitment from Conygar to see this huge project through and create something that is unique of Nottingham, for Nottingham.”
Parts of the formerly derelict area of the Island quarter have already opened including Binks Yard which is now home to a bar, entertainment centre and Michelin Star restaurant. The plans are set to transform the area over the next ten years breathing life into the quiet part of the city. This will include offices, homes, hotels and green spaces under the £1 billion regeneration project
Nick Gregory, director at CPMG Architects, said: “We have optimised the use of glazing influenced by the anticipated internal arrangements of the new biosciences facility, and to reflect the usage of the buildings.”
“The designs also serve to break down any divide and give a natural transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Conygar and the wider project delivery team to make the vision a reality.”