One of Nottingham’s most iconic waterside buildings, which has been transformed into 95 build-to-rent apartments, was officially opened this week.
The Grade II listed British Waterways building has been redeveloped by H2O Urban – a 21-year-old partnership between developer bloc and the Canal & River Trust – and owned by Lloyds Living.
Steeped in history, British Waterways will provide 95 modern fully furnished rental homes, with a mix of 12 studios, 42 one-and 41 two-bedroom apartments with a rooftop extension adding eight further apartments at a key canalside location.
Richard Thomas, chief executive of H2O, said: “British Waterways is an iconic location in Nottingham and this scheme. It will breathe much-needed new life into both the building and the area while respecting its history.
“H2O is committed to delivering high-quality developments, which create thriving communities and promote healthy, happy lifestyles – and British Waterways will create exactly that, so we are very pleased to open the doors to residents.”
Originally built in 1919, British Waterways once played a key role in the transportation of goods along Nottingham Canal and was managed by the Trent Navigation Company. The company ceased operations in 1940.
Stuart Mills, interim chief executive at the Canal & River Trust, added: “This is an exciting new chapter in the long and colourful history of one of Nottingham’s most recognisable buildings. The residents will be blessed with the most amazing canal, full of wildlife and holding Green Flag status, right on their doorsteps. We hope they enjoy the opportunity to explore all that the canal has to offer and enjoy their new lives by water.”
Located in a historical canalside conservation area just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of the city centre, residents can benefit from the peaceful surroundings whilst being close to bustling bars and restaurants.
Once a key part of Nottingham’s industrial history, the British Waterways building was awarded Grade II listed status in 1995. The exposed brickwork and large factory style windows that overlook the canal have been maintained. Now paired with contemporary design, the space has been thoughtfully crafted with custom-built kitchens, clever storage spaces and sophisticated soft furnishings.
British Waterways also offers a cosy communal lounge with a big TV screen and coworking spaces completed with desk space and comfy seating. Residents can also benefit from a sense of community, with regular resident events from wine tasting to book clubs.
Bernadette Baker, community manager at British Waterways, added: “We are very pleased to be able to welcome residents to the British Waterways community; it is a building that will truly offer the best of both worlds, combining city living with its peaceful canalside location.”
Cllr Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council said: “The British Waterways building is a well-known landmark in the centre of the city and a key part of Nottingham’s industrial heritage. It’s great to see the building get a new lease of life providing homes.
“We want the city centre to be a place where people can live as well as work and enjoy their leisure time, as we have shown with the continuing transformation of the nearby Broad Marsh area with its Green Heart, NHS Community Diagnostic Centre under construction and Homes England’s plans for 1,000 homes and up to 20,000 square metres of retail, office and community spaces creating around 2,000 full-time jobs.”
The scheme was designed by Franklin Ellis Architects and was built by Jessops Construction.
