ONE of the biggest city centre regeneration schemes in the UK has moved a step closer today (24 July) as a planning application for the first phase of The Island Quarter development is submitted to Nottingham City Council.

Phase 1A, known as Canal Turn, will include a three-storey 2,000 sqm pavilion on the waterfront, featuring two restaurants, circa 500 sqm of events space with panoramic views and a large rooftop terrace, and signifies the opening phase of the £650m development.

The detailed planning application also features provision for a bandstand and a substantial area of new, attractive public realm – all of which will open up the canal basin area enhancing one of Nottingham’s most under-utilised assets.

Christopher Ware, property director of Conygar, the developer behind the scheme, said:

“We are delighted to be progressing with the planning application for Canal Turn, the first part of the first phase of The Island Quarter development. Each stage of preparing the planning application has been carefully considered and thought out and promises to create a thriving community and vibrant future for Nottingham for many years to come. 

“The ultimate vision is to create a unique place that will be seen as a worldwide destination for Nottingham, providing year-round interest and community facilities and will be a place for Nottingham to come together, to live, work and enjoy.”

Outline planning consent for the project, which is expected to take up to ten years to complete, was approved by Nottingham’s planning committee in April 2019, followed by negotiations regarding the Section 106 agreement, that was formalised with the city council earlier this year.

Richard Watson, director of Conygar Nottingham, said:

“We have been working closely with the architects Jestico+Whiles and the design team to develop these detailed plans. We have undertaken a lot of research over the last few years, not only with Nottingham City Council, but also the people of Nottingham to ensure that we are creating a development that is fit for the city and the UK.

“The whole development will be of huge benefit to the local economy and will create thousands of jobs during the build phase and beyond.” 

The overall plans for the site, which has been derelict for many years, will bring new homes, grade A office space, creative spaces, a lifestyle hotel, PRS apartments and co-working space, a ‘linear’ park and vibrant community and event space as well as student accommodation to the city.  

The first phase will also include extensive improvement works to the canal at the London Road end of the site, which will help form a focal point for The Island Quarter. 

Conygar and its partners are working closely with The Canal and Rivers Trust to create an outstanding area for the Nottingham community to enjoy. 

The planning application for Canal Turn follows the broadcasting of a live webisode, hosted by Cartwright Communications last week (17 July) where the latest plans were revealed alongside new CGIs and a never-before seen showcase video with Cllr David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, and chief executive of Conygar, Robert Ware.

Image Credit: The Island Quarter – Canal Turn (July 2020) (2) credit Jestico+Whiles