Co-living plan for former city centre offices

Plans to redevelop the site of a vacant 1970s office block in Nottingham as co-living apartments have been unveiled by Birmingham-based Wavensmere Homes.

Permission to demolish the two-storey Waterway House office block, on Waterway Street, was granted by Nottingham City Council in May 2024, originally intended to make way for an eight-story block of apartments.

Now, developer Wavensmere has launched a consultation on an alternative scheme which will see 320 co-living apartments built in a five-storey building, subject to a successful planning application set to be brought forward later this year.

The plans include a rooftop padel court and open air social space, along with a gym, a communal dining area, games room, lounges, co-working space and meeting rooms proposed for the ground floor.

Ben Clarke, technical director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “High-quality, amenity-rich co-living developments offer a unique opportunity to foster a new community, whilst providing a bridge for a wide range of people until they are in a position to get onto the property ladder.

“The scheme has been designed in partnership with VervLife who have extensive operational experience in both co-living and BTR markets across the UK. While each studio apartment at Waterway House will be self-contained with an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, the masterchef-style communal kitchen, dining area, games room and lounges, co-working space, meeting rooms and fitness facilities will bring people together.

“We are consulting with stakeholders and welcome comments and feedback from local people to ensure this brownfield site is redeveloped in the most sustainable way.”

Designed by Corstorphine & Wright, co-living specialist VervLife has been selected as the eventual operator for the scheme.

An online consultation on the proposals will run until 5 December.