Huge new development set to be created on derelict land in Nottingham city centre

A huge redevelopment of a city area formerly occupied by a derelict 'eyesore' is set to be given the go-ahead, providing hundreds of flats and houses. The plan to turn the site of the demolished Forest Mill office building in Alfreton Road, Radford, into a 344-apartment student complex stretching across to Denman Street East, which at its tallest would be eight storeys, has been recommended for approval.

There would be 790 bedrooms in the new block and houses would also be built nearby. The old five-storey office tower on the site, which was built in the 1960s and had been left vacant for decades, was knocked down in June 2019.

The plans had previously been praised as being a boost to the "growing hub" of independent businesses across from the site by the East Midlands Chamber. They were also welcomed by a number of local businesses, one of which called the designs for the project "beautiful".

Read more: Excitement over 'beautiful' project after demolition of Forest Mill 'eyesore'

The old Forest Mill building in Alfreton Road, on the corner of Highurst Street (Nottingham Post)

A Nottingham City Council report has recommended the development be granted planning permission at a June 22 planning committee, subject to conditions. These include a financial contribution from developers of £987,890 towards off-site public open space and public realm improvements near the site, a financial contribution of £128,772 towards education, as well as 19 affordable houses and a financial contribution of £745,824 towards off-site affordable housing.

They would also have to contribute £133,480 towards local employment and training and provide of a student management plan, including a restriction on car ownership. The total financial contributions required from applicant Olympian Homes would be £1,995,966.

The redevelopment would also have commercial units on the ground floor, facing Alfreton Road and a gym for residents. Approval had previously been granted in 2018 to create an eight-storey building on the site, comprising commercial units and flats, with outline permission for a further 229 homes.

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