Nottingham 300-studio plans tipped for go-ahead
Proposals by Redford Developments and Wavensmere Homes to develop Nottingham’s first purpose-built co-living block have been recommended for approval ahead of a meeting next week.
Plans for Waterway House, a six-storey apartment block earmarked for the site of a disused 1970s office block off Crocus Street, were first put forward in February, with a final decision now expected at committee on 23 September.
If approved, the Corstorphine & Wright-designed scheme will provide 300 co-living units across the first to fifth floors, with communal facilities for residents alongside a reception area on the ground floor.
The plans have been scaled down during discussions with the city council’s planning department, with the loss of 25 units to create larger studios contributing to a narrowing viability picture, according to Wavensmere’s development director, Ben Clarke.
“Whilst we are committed to delivering the scheme, the current market presents significant economic challenges stemming from the multi-decade highs of the current UK gilt yields. Paired with the reduction in unit numbers, the margin to keep the scheme viable is now incredibly tight,” he said.
Waterway House will become Nottingham’s first purpose-built co-living scheme if approved. Credit: Corstorphine & Wright
Ahead of their recommendation, a report by Nottingham’s planning officers said that, as the first co-living development proposed in Nottingham, the scheme would introduce a new form of housing to the city, which would “broaden housing choice”, and contribute towards the city centre’s rental housing needs.
They said that the removal of the dilapidated former city council-owned would make a positive contribution to the character of the area, and brushed aside concerns from Nottingham Civic Society, who said the design was “less distinctive” than a previously consented residential application for the same site.
Plans for 191 apartments were previously approved by the city council in 2024.
Chris Cheal, director at Corstorphine & Wright Architects, said the design of the building contained a strong emphasis on “quality, functionality, and long term liveability”.
“The building’s robust brick architecture, articulated through a clear structural rhythm and generous, well-proportioned glazing, creates a confident and contemporary presence that will establish a new architectural landmark within Nottingham’s highly connected Canalside Quarter,” he said.
A proposed Section 106 agreement includes an off-site affordable housing of £3.4m from the developer, alongside an open space contribution of £403,500 and a local employment and training contribution of £127,300.
Wavensmere has selected national co-living specialist VervLife as the operator for the building.
Designers Corstorphine & Wright says the building will a be “confident and contemporary” presence that will establish a new architectural landmark in Nottingham. Credit: Corstorphine & Wright
“From a placemaking perspective, this is a development of the highest quality by an acclaimed architectural practice, which is specifically designed to cater to a fast-growing market of working people who are not on the property ladder,” added Clarke.
“The balance between quality, amenity provision, and affordability for these elegant studio homes is crucial. The timely delivery and success of this scheme could propel economic growth for the city.
“Waterway House will be the first purpose-designed purely co-living scheme in Nottingham, so it was crucial that our plans helped to set a high quality benchmark.”
The architect for Waterway House is Corstorphine & Wright, working in conjunction with planning consultancy Turley.
- Documents and plans relating to the application can be found on Nottingham’s planning portal using reference: 26/00086/PFUL3
