Nottingham City Council exploring pre-lets for 100,000 sq ft office scheme

Nottingham City Council is “exploring the potential” for pre-lets for a proposed 100,000 sq ft Grade A office development in the city centre.

Speaking to TheBusinessDesk.com at MIPIM in Cannes, the Council’s corporate director of development and deputy chief executive David Bishop said that the development of Crocus Place, on Arkwright Street near the railway station, was dependent on HMRC’s decision on its plans for regional hubs – with Nottingham hopeful to be a base.

“We’re confident that HMRC will reveal its plans within a couple of months,” said Bishop, “and that will ensure a number of dominoes fall.

“We know there is a lack of Grade A office space in the city, and that there is great demand. We’re working with Miller Birch to bring forward the Guildhall site, and marketing of the scheme should start in around two months time. Nottingham Trent University has expressed interest in the site, and we’re looking to attract a hotel operator alongside more office space.”

Bishop said that Nottingham was in the middle of a decade-long investment programme. He added: “Everything is coming together this year – with the Broadmarsh bus station and car park, the Nottingham College hub, the redevelopment of the Broadmarsh shopping centre. We have to take this opportunity.

“This year’s MIPIM has seen a record number of private sector sponsors, and we have to support them. That’s why we’re here.”