Nottingham Central Library to transform in boost for creative businesses

Nottingham City Council has laid out plans to transform the former Central Library building into a flexible workspace for creative businesses.

The proposal is about to move forward, as the council is soon to employ an architect and design team to take the work a step further.

Historic frontage on the building on Angel Row will be preserved, while the 1,200 sq m space will be revitalised and turned into a hub for creative businesses to work from.

A modern Central Library is also set to be built in a new building, as part of the redevelopment of Broad Marsh as a central gateway to the city.

City Council Leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: ‘I’m pleased that at the same time as the fit-out of the new Central Library in the Broad Marsh area is taking place, we’re in a position to move on to the next stage of the Angel Row scheme, which will see an exciting new creative hub developed in the city centre.

‘We are looking for an experienced design team to design the fit-out of the building in a way which can maximise opportunities for innovation and sustainable design into the scheme. Post-Covid, it will be important for this building to offer spaces where people in our growing creative sector can collaborate, work flexibly and engage together.’

The council hopes the new venue will foster collaboration and innovation, as well as provide the space for exhibitions, a gallery and studios for creatives and a publicly accessible café.

£12.5m of the government’s Future High Streets Fund has gone towards the scheme, after a successful bid by the council.

Part of the funding is also committed to improving cycling and walking routes around the city.

Recently, Nottingham City Council brought in new planning guidance to ensure the region meets its 2028 target to become carbon-neutral.

Photo by Ben Spray