Plans to transform the vacant Guildhall into a hotel have been given the green light by Nottingham City Council
The £100m project aims to restore the Guildhall to its former glory.
The joint venture between Locksley Hotels and hotel group Ascena submitted plans in May 2020. These plans include a 162-bed, four-star hotel, with a rooftop restaurant, spa and wedding and conference facilities.
The development will also feature a glass connection to link the tower with the historic Guildhall building.
The project will transform the derelict Grade II Guildhall site.
The Guildhall building will house the hotel, while more modern extensions at the back of the building will be demolished and rebuilt.
The existing courtrooms in the building will be converted into bar and restaurant facilities, retaining original listed features.
Breathing new life into Guildhall
John Wilby, project lead for Ascena, said: “After it has sat vacant for the best part of a decade, we’re pleased to have hit this significant milestone in breathing new life into it.
“The development will not only bring jobs to the area but will also help elevate the city as a tourist destination.”
Jack Turton, director of Ascena, commented: “We have been working closely with our heritage consultant Turley and Historic England to ensure that this iconic building is brought back to its former glory.
“As well as this, an existing latter-day extension to the northern elevation of the Guildhall will be demolished and rebuilt.”
Councillor David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, added: “I’m very pleased that these exciting proposals to turn Nottingham’s Guildhall into a high-quality hotel have been given the go-ahead.
“It’s something we have been keen to happen for a long time and our planning officers have worked with the developers to help them shape a development which respects the history of this grand old building and bring it back into use.”
