Plans in for ‘city first’ co-living apartments
Developers Wavensmere Homes and Redford Developments have submitted ambitious plans for more than 300 apartments on the site of a former Nottingham office block.
If approved by Nottingham City Council, 320 co-living apartments will be built in a five-storey building off Crocus Street, with a rooftop padel court and open air social space.
The co-living concept sees each studio apartment fitted with an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, with communal kitchen and dining facilities, with Wavensmere saying the scheme is designed to enable people to progress into home ownership.
A gym, a communal dining area, games room, lounges, co-working space and meeting rooms are proposed for the ground floor.
The architect for the project is Corstorphine & Wright, working in conjunction with planning consultancy Turley.
Ben Clarke, development director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “Much insight and design detail has gone into these plans, which we are delighted to submit to the City Council.
“Waterway House is Nottingham’s first purpose-built co-living proposal, catering to a fast-growing market of working people who are not on the property ladder. The balance between quality, amenity provision, and affordability for these 320 elegant studio homes is crucial. The timely delivery and success of this scheme could propel economic growth for the city.”
Permission to demolish a vacant 1970’s era two-storey office block, currently occupying the site on Waterway Street, was granted by Nottingham City Council in May 2024, originally intended to make way for an eight-story block of apartments, prior to the latest proposals being submitted.
Chris Cheal, director at Corstorphine & Wright Architects, said the design of the building created a “confident and contemporary presence” that would establish a new architectural landmark within Nottingham’s Canalside Quarter.
“The internal concept for Waterway House is centred on providing generous personal space complemented by a wide range of high quality communal facilities, supporting both privacy and social interaction, and enabling residents to connect with neighbours and make full use of shared amenities,” he said.
“We have designed these co living studios to be larger than the majority of comparable schemes in the UK, with a strong emphasis on quality, functionality, and long-term liveability.
“At present, the lack of high quality, modern, purpose designed co living accommodation is contributing to graduates, key workers, and young professionals leaving Nottingham for different cities. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Local Planning Authority as this important application is considered.”
