News

Wednesday 18 April 2007

Work starts on next stage of £70 million regeneration project

Work has begun on the next stage of Nottingham Trent University’s ambitious estates strategy to regenerate its landmark Newton and Arkwright buildings.

The removal of the 1960s Goldsmith building, on Goldsmith Street in the City centre, is making way for the main entrance to a £70m flagship development, which aims to create a more inspirational working environment for the University, while securing the buildings' long-term future and contributing substantially to the regeneration of the City.

Nottingham Trent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Gorman, said: “This marks an important stage in the Newton and Arkwright project. Some would argue that the Goldsmith building is one of the ugliest in Nottingham and will be happy to see it go! We see it as an opportunity to create a stunning new entrance to this flagship scheme, one which the whole City will be proud of.”

The project involves significant sympathetic refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Newton and Arkwright buildings to maximise the usable floor space within them. A stunning, glazed roof atrium between the buildings will stand where the Newton Yard Car Park is currently situated. This central court, which will comprise a walk-round balcony, will act as a meeting point for staff and students for the City campus as a whole.

The new access from Goldsmith Street will become the front door to the development. The current Newton basement is being transformed to include state-of-the-art learning and teaching facilities, including lecture theatres and IT resources.

The University’s estates team has worked closely with planning and conservation specialists for more than two years – including Nottingham City Council, English Heritage, and other conservation groups – to produce a scheme that reflects Newton and Arkwright’s status as city landmarks.

Work is expected to be complete by summer 2009.