The construction of 104 affordable homes is under way on disused land surrounding Nottingham War Rooms, a vacant Grade II-listed former regional war room and Cold War nuclear bunker.
This development, in Beechdale, Nottingham, was made possible by a £2.1 million investment from the East Midlands Combined County Authority‘s (EMCCA’s) Brownfield Housing Fund.
Some 62 of these homes will be for social rent and 42 for shared ownership, making the scheme 100 per cent affordable. In addition to two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes, there will be six ground-floor maisonettes suitable for older people and those with mobility needs. The homes have been designed with energy efficiency in mind – helping residents save money, as well as supporting the environment.
EMCCA has secured more than £93m in government funding to bring under-used land back to life across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “With £2.1m from my Brownfield Housing Fund, this development will deliver more than 100 affordable homes – which simply would not have been possible otherwise.
“This project is a powerful example of how we’re turning our vision for inclusive growth into reality. Through our fund, we’re creating high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local families while supporting greener, more sustainable communities. By investing in places like War Rooms Nottingham, we’re making the East Midlands a region that everyone is proud to call home.”
It is anticipated the homes will complete in summer 2028. All homes will be provided by emh group, which will manage the sale of the shared ownership homes. Those interested in shared ownership homes can email emh at sales@emh.co.uk or call 0300 123 0918.
Once completed, the rented homes will be available through Nottingham City Council’s housing register Homelink.
The scheme has been made possible through funding from EMCCA and Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency. Homes England has supported the scheme through grant funding provided via emh’s Strategic Partnership.
Representatives from EMCCA joined partners including emh, Owl Partnerships, Hamilton Russell Harper Wood, and Nottingham City Council at the War Rooms site to mark the start of construction.
Mike Kelly, Owl Homes’ managing director, said: “This event marks a major milestone in the ongoing regeneration of this fascinating, historic site and we’re proud to celebrate the official start on site alongside the wider project team.
“This unique scheme is one of our largest to date and we’re excited to be leading the build, uniting past and present to create affordable new homes and a vibrant community that will serve Nottingham for years to come.”
Chris Jones, emh executive director of housing and development, said: “This site’s remarkable history makes the project truly special. We’re grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to get us here.”
Councillor Jay Hayes, Nottingham City Council executive member for housing and planning, said: “This is great news for Nottingham and I welcome the development, which will deliver much‑needed homes for local people. It is encouraging to see the project now under way following the consultation we held with residents while the development was in its planning stage.”