Work begins on major building transformation at new city centre university campus

Work to transform the Central Building at the University of Nottingham’s new Castle Meadow Campus have begun.

Contractor G F Tomlinson has started work on the building which sits on the site of the former HMRC offices. It will be turned into a social and commercial hub for the university.

The Grade II listed building is undergoing extensive renovation works including the replacement of the tensile fabric roof and the addition of a new mezzanine at first floor level offering views of the roof through a large, glazed roof light at its centre.

A new welcome reception area will provide unobstructed views from the entrance into the heart of the building. Alongside this, a new bistro café with kitchen facilities, study spaces and external seating will house over 200 visitors.

G F Tomlinson have a long-standing relationship with the University of Nottingham. Previous schemes delivered by the contractor include the Advanced Manufacturing Building at the Jubilee Campus, along with the Biodiscovery Institute and the East Midlands Conference Centre refurbishment at the University Park Campus.

G F Tomlinson also delivered the multimillion-pound redevelopment of the Nottingham Castle.

Managing director, Adrian Grocock, said: “We’re pleased to be building on our long-standing working relationship with the University of Nottingham to bring this landmark Central Building at Castle Meadow Campus to fruition. The team has worked extensively to plan intricate works for the unique building and roof design, drawing upon our specialisms and expertise.

“The city centre campus is a shining example of how the city can retrofit existing buildings to create sustainable modern facilities, and the Central Building works will maximise the current building’s potential to become a landmark social and commercial city hub.”

Director of estates and facilities at the University of Nottingham, Gary Moss, said: “Creating inclusive, sustainable environments is at the heart of our campus development programme. This great work with G F Tomlinson, who share these values, will enable the reimagined Central Building to become a welcoming, vibrant landmark at the heart of our new Castle Meadow Campus. With work well underway, including the complex roof replacement, we’re thrilled to be on track for a Spring 2025 opening of our new city centre campus hub.”