£650m Nottingham Island Quarter to get underway
Pre-Construction, Construction & Build
Developer Conygar plans to start building work this year on the first phase of its £650m The Island Quarter mixed-use development in the heart of Nottingham.
The site on the southern side of the city was formerly known as Boots Island and is set to become a new landmark for the city with new homes, office space, a five-star hotel, retail and student accommodation
Development is planned to start this year with Canal Turn – a three-storey, 2,000 sqm canal-side pavilion incorporating two restaurants, a 500 sqm events space with panoramic views, as well as a large rooftop terrace.
Bowmer & Kirkland was among the builders looking to bid the project, although it is not known whether the contract has been awarded.
The pavilion’s design by architect Jestico + Whiles celebrates the location’s industrial heritage as well as presenting a prominent symbol of the site’s regeneration.
Generous arches are set into a robust masonry base, rooting the design to the site, while a refined lightweight form of oxidised and patinated steel sits above as a festive space. A masonry entrance tower is a focal point within the design, its crown acting as a lantern, welcoming visitors, and emphasising the civic nature of the proposal.
James Dilley, Director, Jestico + Whiles added: “Our mission with the pavilion in The Island Quarter was to create an iconic landmark which sits as a magnet at the heart of this extraordinary, resurgent site”
Richard Watson, director of Conygar Nottingham, said: “Conygar has been working closely with Jestico + Whiles and design teams to develop these plans, not only for the first phase but also for the wider site as well.
“The site will create a worldwide destination for Nottingham which will provide all year round interest and community facilities which can be used from dawn until dusk.”
Conygar aims to build 2m sq ft of offices, residential, student accommodation and a variety of leisure and other uses.
This will consist of over 900 homes, nearly 700 student flats, and more than 630,000 sq ft of office space and is estimated to have a development value of over £300m.
The linear park, which was formerly Boots, the Chemists’ headquarters and laboratories and has been vacant for 20 years, will include a five-star hotel and shops.
Written by Aaron Morby - Construction Enquirer