Conservationists say a 'shambolic' and 'weary' former college site should be revamped and put to better use.
The land, on the border of St Ann's and Sneinton, was once home to the Castle College and a former pub.
Nottingham City Council has been in early development talks about the future of the privately-owned plot, located off Carlton Road and opposite Alma Road.
The authority clarified the cleared site could be used for residential, employment, community and education purposes.
Hilary Silvester, executive chair of the Nottingham Civic Society, described it as an "unsightly site at the moment", explaining it had been vacant for some time.
"People have tried different things and it's all got very weary and a bit shambolic and everything," she said.
"It does need to have something there. If there is an employment use available, if somebody's got an idea for it, it is sort of in an area which has got commercial properties.
"Even a manufacturing business I think would be appropriate or indeed residential because immediately opposite it are former council houses, social housing, some of them no doubt privately-owned.
"I think all of those uses would be very appropriate."
She added: "Or, alternatively, maybe a building which gives opportunities for businesses, start-ups - that sort of building... perhaps that's the way to go to create a business block for start-ups, rather than just one particular company."
People in the area also had their say.
Aspley engineer Andreya Duffy, 66, said: “They should build more council houses, possibly even a hostel to help the housing crisis in Nottingham.”
Kieron Boston, 48, from The Meadows, added: “There’s definitely a lack of affordable houses in the area.
“There has recently been affordable houses built in The Meadows but the prices start at £176,000.
"I can’t see them doing anything nice with the area.”
Castle College was formed by a merger of Broxtowe College and the People's College in 2006.
It later merged with South Nottingham College to become Central College Nottingham, the latter of which joined New College Nottingham in 2017 and became Nottingham College.
