Green light for 245,000 sq ft bioscience hub

Plans for a new bioscience facility on The Island Quarter have been approved by Nottingham City Council.

The decision gives developer Conygar the go ahead to build 245,000 sq ft of laboratory space – designed by Nottingham-based CPMG Architects – on the city centre site.

Christopher Ware, property director at Conygar, said: “Gaining planning approval for the bioscience facility is a significant step forward for the continued regeneration of The Island Quarter. We are continuing to build momentum on site, and this latest phase will feed into the latest updates to the masterplan.

“These changes are heavily informed by our ongoing efforts in engaging with various stakeholders from across Nottingham alongside Nottingham City Council. We believe that those that have been involved in the process will be able to see their fingerprints all over this updated masterplan, and we look forward to taking this to the next stage.”

The key adjustments to the masterplan include additional wooded and grassland areas and a rethink of the streetscape throughout the eastern side of the side, improving access to the Victorian era warehouses and recentering the green space around the structures.

Councillor David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The recent engagement events held jointly with Conygar and the city council have really been an exemplar of how local authorities and developers can be on the same page and work together on a major regeneration scheme for the good of all.

“Alongside the exciting progress on the bioscience facility, this announcement shows that there is a real commitment from Conygar to see this huge project through and create something that is uniquely of Nottingham, for Nottingham.”

Nick Gregory, director at CPMG Architects, said: “We have optimised the use of glazing influenced by the anticipated internal arrangements of the new biosciences facility, and to reflect the usage of the buildings. The designs also serve to break down any divide and give a natural transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Conygar and the wider project delivery team to make the vision a reality.”